Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy recently held its first series of Cohort of Arts Awards with a 'Past, Present and Future' workshop backed by funding received from the arts funding body TyCerdd.

A super day saw plenty of great activities with members of its 'Band Bach' beginner section who worked with tutors to find out more about music making.

First four

The first cohort of four youngsters aged between 5 and 11 also completed a short project which they shared with friends to encourage others to participate.

MD and music teacher Chris Williams told 4BR "The recent workshop was held as part of our 130th anniversary and was an ideal opportunity for the youngsters to play an active part.

The Discover Level is ideal for Primary School pupils, and we are now looking to offer the higher levels for those in secondary school to help encourage further youthful participation and interest."

Strengthen links

He added: "It's our aim to strengthen our links with local schools and the music service as well contribute to the National Plan for Music in Wales by building community ensembles.

Being able to offer the Arts Award bilingually in Welsh and English is an extra bonus for us too."