*
banner

Welsh revive attempts to create national body

A new attempt will be made next month to create a national body for Welsh banding — with the aim of benefiting bands in all corners of the nation.

wELSH FLAG
  The latest initiative hopes to build on the encouragement gained before the COVID-19 lockdown

Members of the Welsh banding community will once again attempt to draw agreement from its disparate individual and organisational elements to form a unified representative body to help secure a sustainable future for the movement in the country.

Latest initiative

Previous attempts have proven unsuccessful, although the latest initiative hopes to build on the encouragement gained by an initial meeting that took place in March in Cardiff just before the Coronavirus pandemic stopped banding activity in Wales.

The initiative is to be discussed at a mixed attendance/online meeting to be held in mid-Wales in September, once again led by the Andrew Jones, a respected figure in the Welsh banding movement.

Partnership

He told 4BR that he believes that people are determined for such a body to be set up to be able to access potential Arts Council funding to work in partnership with the existing structures within Welsh banding.

"Understandably concerns have been focussed on other areas of life over the last few months, but after talking to a number of people it was felt that now was the time to revisit the topic and see if we can build on the initial encouraging signs and start to build foundations for the future."

Complement

Andrew was also keen to point out that the aim will be to create an organisation that is able to complement the existing banding structures in each area of Wales.

It's mission will encompass the ability to access long term funding streams to promote initiatives and projects that can be utilised by bands, bodies and associations to become proactive musical hubs in their communities.

He hopes that this will help to invigorate community banding with knock on benefits for the profile and success of Welsh banding on the concert as well as contesting platforms.

Andrew was also keen to point out that the aim will be to create an organisation that is able to complement the existing banding structures in each area of Wales4BR

Realistic

"I think we have to be realistic about what steps can be taken — but Welsh banding needs to be able to gain long term, sustainable funding that benefits all corners of the nation.

A national body can do that and should be able to work in partnership with existing bodies for their benefit.

It's a complex issue with many elements to draw together, but now is the time to get it right to safeguard and build for the future — working together and working for the greater good of Welsh banding."

Further information and enquiries

For further information for those interested please go to:
https://musicforyoublog.com/2020/08/23/open-letter-to-welsh-brass-band-colleagues-no-2/

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd