The irony of hearing the standard bearing youth band of what was once a well funded, combined local authority music service, having to perform in the gymnasium of a private school in the Labour Party controlled heartlands of Gwent, was not lost on the packed audience who enjoyed this splendid concert.

Musical resource

Despite being denuded of resources by austerity cuts, the Greater Gwent Youth Band (and its Kick Start Beginner’s Group) continues to provide an outstanding musical resource for children in the Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen areas. 

Hard working service management, inspired conducting leadership, passionate tutors, supportive parents and a world class soloist on hand to help out at a drop of a hat has meant that despite swingeing cuts effecting areas of provision, the high quality of peripatetic teaching remains intact - for now.

Superb showcase

For well over 50 years now this band has been a superb showcase of educational musical talent - and the latest generation is no exception. It may be one of the last though.

It was noticeable that the smiles from the parading gold chain wearing politicians, who rather conveniently remained con sord about why their council run venues were actually more expensive to open for the latest course and concert than an independent private school (where fees are a fiver under four grand a term), had a grim rictus about them: Hard decisions may have had to be made over the last few years, but incomprehensible ones still seem to come as second nature. 

No protest

The arguments made to support, not cut funding to music services in their spheres of influence were brilliantly made here - and all without a single voice of protest.  

Led with flair and imagination by former playing alumni Gareth Ritter, the 71 players displayed confidence and musicality to the max; full bodied ensemble sounds of warmth and balance, tempered by excellent solo leads and a bold sense of collective adventure.

Funky drive

The thumping openers of ‘Ready Steady Brass’, ‘When Thunder Calls’ and ‘National Emblem’ were balanced by the soft lyricism of ‘Abide with Me’, the funky drive of ‘Superstition’, the whimsical musical cleverness of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang’  and the brimstone boiling ‘Fire in the Blood’.

With the 51 strong next generation Kick Start Band under the encouraging baton of Sean O’Neill showing that excellent foundations are still being propagated despite the scorched earth policy of musical cutbacks, and David Childs inspiring shock and awe from players and audience alike, treats were being delivered like local councillor’s pre-election promises. 

Highlight

The substantive highlight of just what can be achieved through hard work and talent though was a top notch bit of playing on ‘The Saga of Tyrfing’, which the band hopes to claim the National Youth title with, in a couple of months time in Manchester. 

It was just a pity that a story of a pair of malevolent dwarves that create a sword that in the wrong hands can ruinously cut to ribbons the hopes and aspirations of would be future generations, seemed to perfectly sum up the ironic feeling you were left with as you headed for home. 

Hopefully, that included the politicians too. 

Iwan Fox