*
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    


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • There has been plenty of entertainment to enjoy in Chorley today


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd