*
banner

The Reunion Band of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales

Conductors: Edward Gregson, Dr Robert Childs
Soloists: Owen Farr, Dewi Griffiths, Glyn Williams
RWCMD, Cardiff
Saturday 22nd October


1982 was a different age in Wales: Pre-miners’ strike, pre-devolution, pre-mobile phones. Music, and brass band music in particular played an important role in education and in local community life. 

The intervening era has seen a radical change in the social, political and musical landscape; pit head wheels replaced by MacDonalds signs, a shiny new Senedd in Cardiff Bay, and fewer community-based bands.

That has been linked to the 40 years of challenges faced by the National Youth Brass Band through education cuts and revolving door bureaucracy – not to mention a rain sodden welcome to the audience as the heavens opened on the night. It has teetered on the brink at times, but thanks to people such as Keith Griffin (for many years its indefatigable administrator) and others, it has battled through. 

Encouraging

The outlook though is encouraging; a new National Music Service, a home within the National Youth Arts Wales organisation, links to the Royal Welsh College, better community band engagement, and an equally hard working group of ‘Friends’ to support a musical ethos that remains firmly based on excellence of opportunity.

This then was a celebration marked by realism; a warm glow of nostalgia threaded by the warning of what the loss of such an organisation would mean to the cultural outlook of future generations of youngsters

This then was a celebration marked by realism; a warm glow of nostalgia threaded by the warning of what the loss of such an organisation would mean to the cultural outlook of future generations of youngsters. That was certainly touched on by its founding conductor Edward Gregson, who with Dr Robert Childs led the scratch ensemble (5 hours or rehearsal on the day) through an ambitious programme.
 
That visual endorsement came with the unforms representing at least 17 different ensembles (all parts of Wales and a few from England) who have benefited from players who have enjoyed the National Youth Band experience (certainly remarked upon), the musical hallmark embossed by the choices of repertoire.

Original music

Original music from Welsh composers Alun Hoddinott, William Mathias and Gareth Wood (‘Fanfare with Variants’, 'Vivat Regina’ , ‘Concertino for Horn’ and  ‘Sospan Fach’) were balanced against favourite lollipops and a trio of classy alumni soloists in Owen Farr, Dewi Griffiths (‘The Paragon’) and Glyn Williams (‘Grandfather’s Clock’).  

That is a legacy that Welsh music making can ill afford to lose and must be built on in the decades to come. 

There was also a reminder of the serious musical soil that has been tilled over the years, with Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgam’  and Edward Gregson’s ‘Connotations’ – works that have been part of a crop that has also included commissions such as John Pickard’s ‘Gaia Symphony’,  Hoddinott’s ‘8th Symphony’  and Wood’s ‘Concerto for Harp and Brass Band’  amongst others.

That is a legacy that Welsh music making can ill afford to lose and must be built on in the decades to come. 

As Edward Gregson said on the night, the joy of being able to come to a 50th anniversary concert will tell us whether that has been achieved or not. 

Iwan Fox 

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Welsh College of Music Brass Band

Friday 24 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army) . 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Guards Brass

Friday 24 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army

Friday 24 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army

Saturday 25 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


York Railway Institute Band - Galaxies of Brass with York Astronomical Society

Saturday 25 March • Creative Centre. York St John's University. Lord Mayors Walk. York YO317EX


Mereside Brass

March 24 • MERESIDE BRASS are looking for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR to continue to develop and challenge the band. We are a friendly 4th Section band with most seats filled, currently not contesting but with a sensible calendar of jobs and band social events.


Brunel Brass Organisation

March 24 • Our Championship section band requires a couple of new players :. Soprano,. E Flat Bass,. Percussion


West Somerset Brass Band

March 24 • West Somerset Brass are looking for Cornet Players of all abilities to join our existing team in the main band or if you wish the training band of all ages. An existing player, returning player or new player all are welcome to join.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2023 4barsrest.com Ltd