*
banner

New signings give Ebbw Vale confidence boost

Some new signings and a returnee give Ebbw Valley Band a timely Welsh Area boost of confidence.

Signings
  The new signings are in time for the band's Welsh Area title assault.

Ebbw Valley Brass has announced a number of new signings and returnees as they look ahead to their appearance at the Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea at the end of the month.

Signings

These include cornet players Nicholas Brill, a former Cory, Llwydcoed and current International Staff Band member, Peter Thomas, who has played for Blaina and Abertillery, and Graham Brill whose experience includes spells at Llwydcoed and Treherbert. The contest also sees the return of the vastly experience bass trombone player Julian Kerrell.

The band will be looking to maintain an excellent Welsh Area record — once that since the band started to compete in 2012 has seen them win titles at Fourth, Third, Second and First Section level.

They will now be hoping to push to gain the extra qualification place on offer for the Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall in October under the direction of guest conductor Nigel Seaman.

I'm delighted we have been able to fill the vacancies with these players. It has meant we have started back with confidence after our short break on a real positive noteGareth Ritter

Positive note

MD Gareth Ritter told 4BR: "I'm delighted we have been able to fill the vacancies with these players. It has meant we have started back with confidence after our short break on a real positive note.

It's great to work with Nigel, whose knowledge and experience brings such a lot to the band."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd