Tredegar Band has broadened the scope of its musical activities with the launch of a brand new ensemble.

The aim of the Tredegar Community Band is to provide a regular weekly rehearsal opportunity that links to the band's regular community activities, as well as provide the potential platform for future competitive involvement in south Wales banding.

Long term goal

Tredegar Band Manager Wilson Taylor told 4BR: "This has been a long term goal for the organisation — one which we wish to develop further with future links to youngsters in our local primary and secondary schools.

It's wonderful to be able to offer former players as well as those with a growing interest in enjoyable social banding, the opportunity to play together once a week.

We want to reinvigorate the widest possible brass band culture in the area — from the youngest players and those wishing to enjoy regular music making all the way to the highest level of elite banding."

Fantastic opportunity

The band will be conducted by David Mace (centre), a former recipient of the prestigious Paul Francis award at Cardiff University, who has performed with the likes of Upper Rhondda, Treherbert and Tongwynlais bands, as well as conducting Swindon Pegasus Band.

He told 4BR: "This is a fantastic opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy their banding in a way that accommodates them.

There is no pressure, we have a great library of music to explore and the ethos will be all about inclusion with plenty of musical fun.

We've already got 14 players — some of who played with the old Tredegar Junior Band when they won the National Youth Championships in 1974, so its music making for everyone amid great facilities and support. If you want a blow then just get in touch and come along."

We want to reinvigorate the widest possible brass band culture in the area — from the youngest players and those wishing to enjoy regular music making all the way to the highest level of elite bandingTredegar Band

Time and place

The Tredegar Community Band rehearses once a week on a Wednesday evening (7.30pm) at Tredegar's band hall (NP22 3RD)

If you have an enquiry or would like to come along please contact us via one of the following options:

Facebook page — Tredegar Community Band

Text/call — Nanette 07814452364, Julie 07968270406 or David 07814539074