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Welsh banding to pay tribute to Small

Penclawdd Brass will host a special memorial cocnert to celebrate the contribution of Tony Small BEM to the musical life of the nation.

Penclawdd
  Tony Small was the driving force behind Penclawdd Brass

The life and career of one of Welsh banding's most respected figures is to be celebrated in a special memorial concert next month.

Tony Small BEM, who died in April 2024, was the founding conductor of Penclawdd Brass, who with the unwavering support of his wife Gillian, became a leading figure in Welsh banding.

Penclawdd

His focal point was Penclawdd Brass whom he founded in 1964. It started as a school ensemble but quickly grew into a youth band and then a successful community band.

Under his baton they became Welsh Regional Champions at Third, Second and — most memorably, Championship Section level. They were also successful at the Welsh National Eisteddfod and gained numerous Welsh League victories.

He also led the West Glamorgan Youth Band to the Welsh and National Youth Championships of Great Britain, and was a leading figure in the setting up and development of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Special guests

The Memorial Concert, which will feature special guest soloists Ros Evans and his son Gareth Small will take place at Swansea Minster (St Mary's Church) on Friday, 9th October at 7.00pm.

The event is tickets only. Contact: Wyn Matthews 07525 042696.

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