*
banner

Cory success with virtual youth

71 young players from across Wales joined the world's number 1 ranked band for a weekend of great music making a fun.

  Elliot Harrington from BTM Band was the solo competition winner — (picking up a different trophy though on this occasion!)

The Cory Band 'Virtual Youth Brass Weekend' has been hailed as a fantastic success after 71 young players from across Wales joined the world's number 1 ranked band on-line for two days of great music making and fun.

Enabled by funding secured from the Arts Council of Wales's National Lottery Fund, and run in collaboration with National Youth Arts Wales, the eager youngsters were split into two bands conducted by star euphonium player Glyn Williams, and Cory MD, Philip Harper.

Variety

They then went on to enjoy a variety of experiences; from full band and sectional rehearsals to masterclasses, a solo contest and plenty of fun social activities.

Speaking about the event Philip Harper told 4BR: "Everyone at Cory is only too aware of the loss of opportunity caused by the Coronavirus pandemic for all young people, and we were determined not to let this be a barrier in our ongoing work inspiring the next generation.

We had never done anything like this before so the learning curve was steep, especially on the technological and delivery side, but we've had some outstanding feedback which is a brilliant outcome for everyone."

Feel good

He added: "The players joined us from their homes, and we had 10 Cory players on hand to deliver expert tuition from their own homes too.

Of course it's never going to be comparable to being in the same room as each other, but there was still a real feel-good atmosphere bouncing around the internet over the course of the weekend!

I had designed some simple physical tasks for people to do in the frequent breaks too, so hopefully brains, lips and bodies were all kept active!"

Of course it's never going to be comparable to being in the same room as each other, but there was still a real feel-good atmosphere bouncing around the internet over the course of the weekend! Philip Harper

Solo competition

The Sunday afternoon also saw the hosting of a special solo competition.

Carys Wood (trumpet), Ben Hannaford-Waddington (marimba), Elliot Harrington (baritone) and Ffion Hill (trumpet) sent in video performances which were then broadcast to enjoy.

The judges, Helen Williams, Chris Thomas and Simon Howell gave supportive feedback before deciding that Elliot Harrington, a talented baritone player from BTM Band would win the special slate trophy.

At the end of the course all the players on the course were set 'homework' — which was to record one of the weekend's set pieces at home. These will now be edited together and released as distance videos in the near future.

Thank you

As Philip Harper concluded: "We want to say a big thank you to everyone for engaging with our project and for helping us innovate what we do in these challenging times.

Lots of people are asking when the next one is — so we'll have to see about that!"

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd