Forest of Dean band appoint their new musical director
THE Forest of Dean Band, based in Yorkley, Royal Forest of Dean, are delighted to have appointed the wellknown Euphonium soloist and Band Trainer Martyn Patterson as their new Musical Director.
This will be Martyn’s first full time appointment as an MD.
He said: “I’m looking forward to what the future holds between myself and this very friendly and highly motivated group of people.
“I can’t think of a nicer way to kick start my conducting career.”
The band is excited to have Martyn’s expertise and enthusiasm in the middle.
The band is ready and very much looking forward to a bright and exciting future.
Later this month, The British Army Band Catterick will be hosting a Brass Band Academy this Easter, from April 12-14 at the Holcombe Moor Training Camp, Spenleach Lane, Hawkshaw, Bury Bl8 4JJ.
Applications are open to all brass and percussion musicians aged between 14 -35.
The Academy is free to attend, from 9am-4pm, with lunch and refreshments provided.
To reserve a place visit https://tinyurl.com/bdtyrdn3.
Next month, the 53rd Bailey Lane End Music Festival takes place on Saturday, May 13 at Five Acres High School.
The Festival is a competition open to soloists, duets and ensembles of children of all ages.
It is to encourage youngsters to take part. There is now an adult section for adult beginners.
Wright & Round sponsor the Festival and a former prize winner, Jack Lythaby will be adjudicating the performances.
The closing date for entries is April 13.
Further details from: https://drybrookband.co.uk/festival.html.
Summer sees the Newtown March and Open Air Contest taking place on June 11 in Newtown Hall Park.
It is open to all bands from nonregistered to Championship bands and has proved to be a very entertaining relaxed and friendly day.
The closing date for entries is May 1. Download details and entry forms available from http://www.newtownmarchcontest.org.uk.
Any problems contact manager@ newtownsilverband.org.uk.
Meanwhile, Blaenavon Town Band is recruiting new committee members.
They need some assistance as they try to re-build after the pandemic.
If interested, they would love to hear from anyone with administrative, fundraising or maintenance skills to look after the band hall.
Contact Lynn Davies, Chair, lynnlynndavies@hotmail.com.
The Band’s AGM is on Tuesday, April 18 at 7.15pm.
Finally, the Monmouthshire Showcase Concert was held at Monmouthshire Comprehensive on March 17 and raised money in support of the Chair of Monmouthshire’s chosen charity for this year ‘Mind Monmouthshire’.
The event showcased the following Gwent Music ensembles as well as performances from schools across the County.
The Gwent Music Brass Ensemble, the Gwent Harp Ensemble and the Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra.