*
banner

Welsh youth ready for weekend showcase

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales is putting the final elemental touches to this weekend's concert programmes under MD Philip Harper.

nybbw
  Conductor, tutors and principal players enjoy the sunshine ahead of a weekend of concerts

The cream of young Welsh brass banding talent has been working hard under Cory MD, Philip Harper and an ensemble of top class tutors on the National Youth Brass Band of Wales annual course.

They have also been joined by Besson tenor horn star Sheona White who will be the featured guest soloist in their concerts performances inspired by the elements of air, water, earth and fire as well as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in Aberystwyth, Beaumaris and Cardiff this weekend.

Concerts

26th July: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (8.00pm)
27th July: Canolfan Beaumaris, Anglesey (7.30pm)
28th July: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff (7.30pm)

The programme has been specially selected by Phil, and will open with his exciting 'Elemental' piece, whilst Sheona will showcase her talents with her solos 'Concerto for Tenor Horn' by Derek Bourgeois as well as works by Kenneth Downie and Philip Sparke.

The band will join in with colourful items such as 'Fireball XL5' and 'Riverdance', although the players have been tested to the limit with the inclusion of the major test-pieces, 'Spectrum' and 'Music of the Spheres'.

Amazing talent

Phil told 4BR: "We hope as many people can come along and support these wonderful young musicians. Wales really does produce amazing brass banding talent and this is the chance to hear them first hand."

One of those is principal cornet player Owain Llestyn who was also the principal cornet of the 2019 European Youth Brass Band and has recently joined Cory Band.

Wales really does produce amazing brass banding talent and this is the chance to hear them first handPhilip Harper

Sit In & Play

In addition to the musical attractions at the concerts, the band will be holding some special 'Sit In & Play' workshops on the afternoon of each concert, with participants have the opportunity to play with the band in the concert itself on the piece they have been rehearsing.

It costs just £5.00 and includes a free child ticket to the evening performance. Participants should be Grade 3 standard and aged between 10 and 18.

To book a place, please email: alexjames@nyaw.org.uk or ring 02920 105807

Principals Players:

Soprano — Sacheus Holloway-Jones
Cornet — Owain Llestyn
Flugel — Cerys Hughes
Horn — Rhys Meredith-Barrett
Baritone — Ioan Rees
Euphonium — Peter McDonough
Trombone — Bethan Cooke
Eb bass — Rhys Michael
Bb bass — Joshua Worman
Percussion — Alex Evans

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


National Finals

Adjudication panels for National Finals announced

July 22 • The panels of judges who will make the National Final decisions has been confirmed.


roomsforgroups

Hotel packages for London and York

July 22 • rooms4groups has some great deals on offer for the National Finals


Leeds Best of Brass

Best of Brass line-up announced

July 22 • Eight bands will provide the monthly entertainment as part of the Leeds International Concert series.


Black Dyke Band

Plaudit crescendo for Black Dyke Proms appearance

July 21 • Fans and critics alike have joined in a chorus of plaudits and congratulations for Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms appearance alongside soloist David Childs.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd