Since taking up the baton at Gwaun Cae Gurwen Band, conductor Rob Burnett has certainly been enjoying getting back to his brass banding roots.

He told 4BR: "I really feel that I've come home. GCG was my very first contesting band and it's fantastic to be back where it all started for me as a young euphonium player."

For the better

Rob also said that he was delighted that certain things had changed for the better too since those early days — with the band now having a fantastic line-up of female players in the ranks.

"Having played in an era when many top bands were strictly 'men only', having female players in bands has been a huge, positive influence,"he added, before adding with a wry laugh. "I've even bought a pink baton just to show that I have a softer side!"

Having played in an era when many top bands were strictly 'men only', having female players in bands has been a huge, positive influenceRob Burnett

Great atmosphere

He concluded: "We have a full solo cornet bench and horn section of talented women players. It makes for a great atmosphere, rehearsals are going well and the band has a real eagerness to improve and enjoy their music making.

Everyone is looking forward to the forthcoming National Eisteddfod and with a flourishing Junior Section the future also looks secure."