Cadwyn Clwyd supporting Flintshire Brass Band
September 10, 2009
They performed their first performance on December 11th at St. Mary’s Church in Mold as part of a special concert of senior youth ensembles from the country. As part of the support, Cadwyn Clwyd are funding workshops and the services of up and coming conductor Russell Gray to run them.
Cadwyn Clwyd’s Flintshire Cultural Celebrations Project Officer Andrew Redfern said: “This is a hugely worthwhile project that will help some of the county’s most talented musicians develop and form musical bonds that will stand them in good stead for the future.
“Flintshire has a tradition of brass band music and this gives the county’s next generation of brass players the opportunity for top class tuition and the chance to perform live together on a regular basis.”
The number of brass bands in North Wales has declined in recent years as large firms and trade bands, such as those for miners, have closed down. But Flintshire still has six in Buckley, Holywell, Northop, Deeside, Gwernaffield and Point of Ayr. “We are aiming for two thirds of the normal sized band to start with, about 25 is the normal size, but we hope to eventually get larger numbers,” said Patrick Smith of Flintshire Music Services. “We try and play popular music. The theme tune for The Pirates of the Caribbean is popular and there’s a brad arrangement for Is This The Way To Amarillo, which the kids can relate to.”
For more information on the Flintshire County Youth Brass Band, including how to get involved, contact us.
