*
banner

Young baritone star shines on Children's course

Neythen Powell-Jones enjoyed his best course so far in his growing musical journey.

Nethan Powell Jones
  The award was made to young baritone player Neythen Powell-Jones

Talented young baritone player Neythen Powell-Jones recently completed his fourth Summer Course with the National Children's Band of Great Britain.

Under the expert guidance of tutor Michael Dodds and MD David Thornton, he was appointed to the solo baritone seat, whilst an inspirational week saw him perform as a soloist at the end of course concert with two colleagues on the special encore 'The Old Chalet' by Elgar Howarth.

Harry Mortimer Award

A great week was topped off when Neythen was presented with the inaugural Harry Mortimer Junior Award, given to the player with "the best solo potential, emphasising technical skill and promise in solo performance."

Best course

Neythen told 4BR: "This was my best course so far. The MD, tutors and staff were fantastic and being presented with the Harry Mortimer award just before the concert was a great end to a fantastic week away."

After a short break, Neythen was straight back into rehearsals and summer performances with Bodmin Town Band, and is now looking forward to performing with the National Children's Band again at Symphony Hall in September as part of the Sunday Brass Gala Day.

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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd