*
banner

Further foundation blocks put in place for Welsh banding

Progress is being made to create a national representative body for the benefit of Welsh banding.

WELSH
  Further progress is being made to establish a national body to represent the interests of Welsh banding

4BR has been informed that further progress has been made in establishing a unified Welsh brass band organisation.

Following a first meeting hosted in Cardiff, attendees voted to establish a body under the banner of Bandiau Pres Cymru | Brass Bands Wales that would work in partnership with the existing organisations and structures of the nation's banding community and music sector.

Working group

A working group of nine people was formed to explore the structure and mission of the organisation, with Christopher Bond, Graham Howe, Alex James, Sion Jones, Craig Roberts, Gareth Ritter, Chris Turner and Chris Williams bringing widespread experience and knowledge to the task.

Led by the respected figure of Andrew Jones, the group has since taken the opportunity to look closely at different short and long term aims and objectives — including strategy, membership recruitment and development, potential funding streams, plus artistic and youth development.

Solid foundation blocks

He told 4BR: "We were keen to build on the initial enthusiasm and determination to create a body that could benefit banding at all levels and in all areas of the nation.

Partnership working is key, and this will be explored further in due course, but for the time being we wanted to ensure solid foundation blocks were put in place."

He added: "The working group has also made further progress in other areas that will be essential to the organisation being able to communicate to the banding community in Wales — such as offering the opportunity for bids for the design of the organisation's branding and website."

Partnership working is key, and this will be explored further in due course, but for the time being we wanted to ensure solid foundation blocks were put in placeAndrew Jones

Next meeting

Andrew revealed that the working group will now meet on-line on a weekly basis prior to the next public meeting, to be held on Saturday 24th of October, where proposals will be put forward in order to ratify the proposals submitted and the formalities of setting the organisation up can be finalised.

Enquiries

The link for that meeting will be posted via social media in due course and any enquiries can be directed to Andrew Jones by e-mail at andrew@andrewjonesmusic.com

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


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd