The 37th Annual Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band Festival took place at Coleg Gwent, Cross Keys on the weekend where an excellent entry of 21 bands took part.

Attractions

The Festival organised by the Gwent Music Support Service reflects the support given by the four Unitary Authorities of Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen to Youth Bands in the area. Such is the success of the event that it now attracts bands from all over Wales, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Dorset and Cheshire.

The Festival commenced at 9.00am and concluded with the full results and presentations, eleven hours later at 8.00pm.

The rules state that bands are allowed to play 6 adults plus 1 adult on percussion if required.

Both adjudicators were very impressed with both the presentation and high standard of playing of the bands throughout the dayorganisers

Awards

Certificates were presented to each band performing with trophies and prizes awarded to the winning bands in Section 2 and 1. The best soloists in all 3 sections were also presented with trophies, whilst presentations were made to the youngest player in each section.

Merit awards were presented to the highest placed Gwent bands outside the prize list in Sections 2 & 1 and winning conductors in Section 2 & 1 also received an engraved gift this year.

Prize money amounting to £1350 was also available for this year’s Festival. The Festival was compered very professionally by David Hayward and was assisted throughout the day by Andrew Jones.

Judges

The adjudicators for the day were Simone Rebello (Sections 3 and 2) and Ian Brownbill (Section 1). Both adjudicators were very impressed with both the presentation and high standard of playing of the bands throughout the day.

A big thank you also goes to the stage managers and many volunteer back stage helpers who make this event run so smoothly.

Results:

Section 3 (1 band): Non-competitive section
Cwmtawe Training (W. Pedrick)

The youngest player in Section 3 was Ffion Morris (Cwmtawe Training).

The best soloist award in Section 3 was presented to Iwan Davies of Cwmtawe Training Band

Section 2: (8 bands)

1. Sherborne Town Youth (C. Herbert)
2. North Powys County Youth (S. Edwards)
3. Cinderford Academy (C. Lewis)
4. Cwmtawe Youth (W.Pedrick)

The Highest Placed Gwent Band award outside the prize list was presented to Blaenavon Town Youth (E.Smith).

The youngest player in Section 2 was Callum Lewis (Blaenavon Town Youth).

The best soloist award in Section 2 was presented to Matthew Horne (trombone) of Bassaleg School.

Section 1: (12 bands)

1. Lions Youth (N. Birch)
2. Abergavenny Youth (G. Ritter)
3. Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Youth (G. Davies)
4. Aberystwyth Youth (A. Phillips)

Section 1 Awards of Merit for Gwent Bands:

1. Usk Youth (J. Jones)
2. Newport Borough Youth (M. Davies)
3. Severn Tunnel Youth (A. Ayres)

The youngest player in Section 1 was Erin Shorey (Chepstow Town Youth).

The best soloist award in Section 1 was presented to Alex Holsgrove (euphonium) of Lions Youth Band.

Conducting Award

The Con Buckley Memorial Trophy was presented to a conductor who has been active in enthusing young players and in forging links with the local community.

The trophy which was donated by Brian Buckley and his family in 1999 was this year presented by Brian to Darren Blakemore of Rogerstone Youth Band.

The date of next year’s Festival will be Saturday 31st January 2009.