Welsh Champion Cory has announced the return of its Cory Academy.

Aimed to run through from November 2026 to May 2027 it is aimed at providing young brass and percussion players with the opportunity to learn, perform and be inspired by their performers.

Open and free

It is open to young musicians aged up to 20, who are playing at Grade 5 standard or equivalent

The free initiative is supported by Arts & Business Cymru through its Culturestep programme, alongside a new partnership with Little Inspirations Day Nursery.

Led trombone player Brett Baker, it will also feature a team of Cory Band players to provide expert coaching and guidance across all sections: Kyle Lawson (cornets); George Fearnley (tenor horns); Anthony Smith and Charlie Boax (euphoniums and baritones); Brett Baker (trombones); Rob Nicholson (tubas) and Steve Jones (percussion).

No audition

A spokesperson told 4BR: "There is no audition to join, and the ethos is designed to give ambitious young players the chance to develop their musical skills in a supportive environment, learn from experienced professional musicians and meet other young players who share their passion for brass and percussion."

Own bands

4BR was informed that the Academy is also designed to complement rather than replace players' existing musical commitments. Members are encouraged to play with their own bands, schools and other ensembles while benefiting from the additional expert tuition and performance experience on offer.

There is no audition to join, and the ethos is designed to give ambitious young players the chance to develop their musical skills in a supportive environmentCory Band

Four sessions

Four in-person weekend sessions will take place at venues across South Wales:
22nd November; 13th February 2027; 4th April 2027 and 15th May 2027

For more information and to register for Cory Academy

To find out more go to:
https://coryband.com/cory-academy-returns-for-2026-27/