13 year old Will Norman, Principal Cornet player of the Flowers Youth Band, was thrilled recently to pick up the prize for Best Soloist in Section 1 at the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band Festival.

Buster

Playing Alan Morrison's 'Buster Strikes Back', Will wowed the audience with a perfect rendition without music to huge cheers from all around the hall.

The band played in Section 1 of the contest having entered Section 2, but were moved up a section due to former Flowers MD Philip Harper adjudicating Sections 2 & 3

Adjudicator C. Brian Buckley praised the bands efforts and placed them fourth overall, a wonderful way to round off their first competition4BR

Thrilling contest debut

Will's soloist prize capped a thrilling first contest debut for the band which was only formed in March 2008. Drawn number 1 and under the Musical Directorship of rising star Tom Davoren, the band performed a programme of 'Lord of the Dance', 'Buster Strikes Back', 'Slaidburn', 'Hymn to St Barnabus' and the 'Theme from Backdraft'.

Adjudicator C. Brian Buckley praised the bands efforts and placed them fourth overall, a wonderful way to round off their first competition.