*
banner

From Small beginnings great things grow...

A life long friend has provided Tony Small BEM with a special anniversary present to help celebrate Penclawdd's 50th birthday this evening in Swansea.

Penclawdd
  The concert will feature the world premiere of a new march

Penclawdd Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special concert at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall (7.00pm) this evening with a truly unique musical connection.

The event also celebrates the half century of musical inspiration that has been given to the organisation by its founding conductor Tony Small BEM, with the occasion being marked by a composition from an old school friend of his.

Small beginnings

Entitled, '…from Small beginnings great things happen' it is a what its composer, a certain Sir Karl Jenkins CBE, calls "a jocular march to reflect a truism and tribute to the dedication, time and love Tony has devoted to music, both in this area of Wales and further afield".

Karl followed Tony through five different academic institutions — from Penclawdd Infants's School all the way to the Royal Academy of Music — a bond further strengthened as both their sons went on to study at the RAM in London.

One of the most successful composers in the world, Sir Karl has also written one of the pieces of music that will be given a world premiere in London in a few weeks' time as part of the Coronation Music of The King and Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.

World class soloists

The proud President of Penclawdd Band has welcomed guests to the event which will not only feature the present band boosted many a number of former payers, but two world class brass soloists in Gareth Small (principal trumpet of the Halle Orchestra) and Andy Davies (trumpeter at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club) as well as renowned soprano soloist Ros Evans.

it is a what its composer, a certain Sir Karl Jenkins CBE, calls "a jocular march to reflect a truism and tribute to the dedication, time and love Tony has devoted to music, both in this area of Wales and further afield"4BR

Worthy celebration

With the Pontardulais Male voice Choir on hand and the introductions being made by broadcaster Mal Pope, it is sure to be a great evening of Welsh infused entertainment and a worthy celebration of a fine brass band and its inspirational Musical Director.

This concert will be held at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall at 7.00pm (Saturday 15th April)

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    


Hepworth

Result: 2026 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Hepworth carries on its dominance of the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit with victory at the Brighouse event under MD Ryan Watkins.


Milnrow

Result: 2026 Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Milnrow adds another march and hymn tune title as they build confidence and bank balances ahead of autumn majors.


hIGGINBOTTOM

Death of Gordon Higginbottom

July 6 • The death has been announced of the celebrated tenor horn soloist, tutor, clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom.


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd