Welsh
Open Entertainment Contest, Porthcawl
The band played an exciting selection of movie music as its entry for this years Welsh Open Entertainment Contest held at the Pavilion, Porthcawl on Saturday 18th February. The six chosen pieces were arranged for Brass Band by Swansea film music composer and arranger, Leigh Philips.
The two opening pieces, Supergirl and Spiderman were followed by a moving arrangement of "A Beautiful Mind" taking the themes Kaleidoscope of Mathematics & All That Love Can Be from the music for our guest vocalist, Samantha Link to sing with the Band.
Music from the American Mini TV Series "Masada" followed before the band finished their performance with the James Bond theme "Surrender" from Tomorrow Never Dies, again beautifully sang by our very own Bond Girl, Samantha Link and the recent James Bond spoof movie staring Rowan Atkinson, "Johnny English".
On this occasion however, the competition was extreemely tough and the band only managed 9th place from the eleven competing bands. Musical Director, Craig Roberts comented "We must remember that every other band was also at the top of their game; it was a good standard. The result didn't reflect the performance as the band played well, was entertaining and confident".
It was, however, a very enjoyable experience and one we were privileged to share with our special guest, Samantha. We hope to feature her in some more concerts in the future. Please visit Samantha's website by clicking here.
The full results for the day were:
1. Tredegar - 194
2. Tongwynlais Temperance - 192
3. BTM - 191
4. Northop - 190
5. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) - 187
6. Pontardulais Town - 186
7. Tylorstown - 185
8. Burry Port - 184
9. Abergavenny - 182
10. Lewis Merthyr - 181
11. Markham & District - 180
Website editor
18th February 2012
Hoddinott Hall
The band will be performing at the Wales Millennium Centre, Hoddinott Hall (the studio of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales). Invited to participate in a day of musical performance on March 3rd, the band will join a line-up which includes Ensemble Cymru, Sinfonia Cymru, National Youth Orchestra Strings and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band. The band will be on stage at 3pm.
Website editor
15th February 2012
Hospice of the Valleys Concert
Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre, 11th February 7pm
The band was privileged to share the stage with four male voice choirs from Blaenau Gwent and guest artistes to open a year of cellebrations marking the 21st anniversary of the Hospice. The auditorium was packed by an appreciative audience as compere David Hayward expertly brought the various parts of an extensive programme seamlessly together.
There was a mesmerising performance by 15yrs old Isata Kanneh-Mason who's virtuoso piano playing was met with a well deserved standing ovation. Band and massed choir (Abertillery, Ebbw Vale, Cwm and Beaufort Male Voice) delivered a varied programme of traditional choir pieces and band arrangements of music from the movies. Katy Treharne (West End star of Phantom) who comes from Nanatyglo, took the audience by storm with her solo performance and the evening was enhanced with singing duo, Kathleen Jenkins and Mark Chamberlain. 
The Band's Musical Director, Craig Roberts, comented that it was good to see the auditorium so full and that all the performers were superb. He added that the band gave an excellent performance and he hopes that the concert becomes an annual event, maybe a St Davids day festival.
Overall the evening proved a fitting tribute to a wondeful organisation which has provided specialist care in Blaenau Gwent since 1991. The band is very proud to have been part of this spectacular concert and wishes Hospice of the Valleys a very successful year of cellebrations.
Website editor
12th February 2012
New Baby for band couple
The band sends warm wishes and congratulations to Jeremy and Louise on the birth of their baby daughter, Nia Seren (7lb 13oz), who was born at 7:45am on 12th January. This is also Louise's birthday.
Jeremy (Euphomium and Tuba) and Louise (Cornet) have been regular guest players for the band helping out at various contests and concerts. All members of the band are delighted to share in their happiness at this time and wish them a very happy future.
Website editor
13th January 2012
New Years Day Walk
Twenty six band members, family and friends spent a very enjoyable new years morning walking the 7 miles from Brynmawr to Govilon along the old railway footpath. The weather was kind and the views as spectacular as ever as we decended the valley to finish at the Bridgend Inn Govilon where we enjoyed a very welcome lunch and good company. In what has now become a traditional new years event for the band, we take this opportunity to enjoy the social side of banding and look forward to the following years busy schedule of contests and concerts.
Website editor
2nd January 2012
Thank you for your support
The band has had a very successful Christmas period fundraising throughout the Abergavenny area. The Band wishes to thanks all the people of the town and surrounding area for such tremendous support again this year".
The band starts rehearsals in eanest on January 3rd in preparation for another busy year of contesting and concerts. Please go to our enquiry page (click here) if you would like to join us.
Website editor
2nd January 2012