Young talent shines at first youth masterclass
ABERGAVENNY Borough Band hosted its first Youth Masterclass in November for the young players of the area at Victoria Primary School, Abersychan.
The weekend was organised and led by local music teacher Lana Tingay who was joined by musicians from the world famous championship band Tredegar Town.
The weekend comprised a series of youth development master classes for young people of all abilities, benefiting young people in the area by sharing music making, developing social skills, gaining confidence and new experiences.
Almost 50 local youngsters, of all abilities, received expert coaching over the two days from Steve Barnet, (percussion), Matt White (euphonium), Steffan Jones (tuba), Hannah Drage (horn), Brendan Caddy (cornet) and Josh Herman (trombone).
The climax of the two days of concentrated effort was a concert given by the Buzzers and Blowers Sunday lunchtime and one from the youth band in the evening.
Funded by Ty Cerdd, the masterclass was able to give the youngsters the rare opportunity of rehearsing alongside expert players from Tredegar Town band and the discipline of preparing and performing a concert programme to a live audience.
It was a very successful day and Lana Tingay thanked everyone who had been involved, particularly Joy Dando, headteacher of Victoria Primary School, for the use of the school and congratulated the children for their concentration, attentiveness and for working so hard and giving such excellent performances at the concerts. The concerts included music from the movies, Grease and One Direction.
Terry Prosser, Abergavenny Band Chairman, thanked Lana for successfully organising the event and all who took part, especially the tutors from Tredegar Town Band for giving the youngsters such a memorable musical experience.
Little Alice Williams made her dad Ceri Wil- liams, a tuba player with Parc and Dare band, feel ever so proud as she was sitting on the end chair (the principal’s seat) leading the cornet section!
I am sure that a number of the youngsters taking part in the above masterclass at Abersychan will be interested in taking part in the West Wales Solo & Ensemble Day (WWSED) which will be held at The Memorial Hall, Burry Port on Saturday, January 28.
The event starts at 10am with the Youth Band classes followed by the Solo, Duet, Trio and Ensembles. Every entrant will receive an award which will be ranked as Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended. Youth Bands of 20 to 45 players, for 14 years and under, 19 years and under and 21 years and under. Solo Own Choice sections up to 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 years.
Organised by Burry Port band contact Nils Richards, for further details and entry forms, email: wwsed@burryporttownband.co.uk or call 07969 481064.
I RECENTLY sent out a request to all the bands in the South East Wales Brass Band Association and the West Wales Brass Band Association asking how many players they had in their organisation of school age (up to 18 years).
Nearly all bands replied and the result was very heartening for the future of brass bands in South Wales. Almost all bands were teaching young players to play a brass instrument or percussion, and when I added up the returns from the bands I was really surprised to find that just over 600 youngsters are being taught music by our bands.
Bands seem to be taking over the teaching of brass and percussion from schools.
If you are a parent and would like your child to join this army of music learners, which is to be found in bandrooms across South Wales, get in touch with your local band.
If you need help to find where your local band rehearses email me and I will put you in touch with the band secretary.