NYBBW Concert at Riverfront Theatre Newport, 23rd August 2025

1st half opener was a traditional march called “into the sky”. Very enjoyable to listen to and the band nicely filled the hall. It was a winner with everyone. 

Next followed 5 pieces that was a whole set of music all about the evolution of video games. This set was pulled together by Paul and used with Flowers of Gloucester brass band for a competition called “Brass in concert”. The set was very technical and eccentric that showcased a wide variety of techniques and an unconventional percussion instrument called a slinky laser. There were hidden recognisable tunes, sonic the hedgehog was included in one and “Guitar Zero” had 8 popular tunes. The piece that really blew me away was called “Fractured Reality”. Dewi really had a good chat with the audience as the band completely moved around, the point was to make the music bounce all around the room unlike the conventional set up. The piece opened with The principal cornet, Soprano Cornet and Flugel Horn all stood at the front of the stage facing the audience, no music. Each player showed no nerves, all looked perfectly calm and definitely had nerves of steel. Utterly amazing. 

To close the first half was one of the big pieces of the week called Rococco Variations, composed by Edward Gregson. He is an amazing composer of some of the most challenging pieces and the conductor on the inaugural course in 1982. Eddie Gregson has always been involved in banding and super supportive so this was a fitting way to celebrate his support and 80th birthday. The opening was a baroque theme followed by 6 variations and a super closer. Technically this was a super challenge which the band rose to with grace and style. 

As a bandsman and lover of the technical pieces I really enjoyed the 1st half. Stan really enjoyed the opener. It was a heavy programme to listen to 

2nd half opened with a very eccentric opener called Shout Up and really set the scene. Really loved the lyrical tunes echoed around the band. 

Next we were treated to a Marimba Concerto with the BBC Young Musician of the Year winner (2022) Jordan Ashman. I was really transfixed watching and listening. Amazing. 
We were next treated to a TJ Powell March called Spaceman. As an aside we were told about TJ Powell final performance conducting Cory, 29 January 1965, on a live radio competition. TJ Powell got up to conduct this very piece and sadly collapsed and died, as there was no second chances the principal cornet got up to conduct and the band did win that day. Unsurprisingly the march is one of the least played – it is great to listen to but I can’t imagine marching in a parade playing this. Fantastic piece. 

St Peters Chorale followed, this was very lyrical and slowed the pace right down. The tune was based on ring a ring of roses and the black death. Very dark and very beautiful. 
Egmont Overture was chosen in memory of a Welsh Banding supporter called Brian Buckley who passed away in January 2025. This was his favourite piece and when you hear it you can understand why. Originally composed by Beethoven and arranged by Eric Ball. This was a joy to listen to and the band were smiling while playing.  

The final piece of the afternoon was Bright Lights Big City by Richard Taylor. This was a really fun closing piece. We were told about the silent disco the band had one night this week and how one of the Baritone players had the same dance move for the entire time (similar to the lucky cat wave). This move was repeated around the band much to his and the audience amusement, this piece was an absolute joy and certainly closed the concert and this years course on a high with a massive smile. 

As a round up, we both loved the second half a lot. It was a lot more easy listening and tuneful rather than technical. 

Many congratulations must go to the recipients of the NYBBW awards who were announced and  presented during the second half. 

Principal Cornet Stephanie Jonas 
Tony Small most improved player Isla Hawkins, Tenor Horn 
John Childs most promising player Carys Wood, Soprano Cornet 

The quality of playing was exceptional and many players within the band now will definitely be stars of the future. It was a fabulous concert to listen to as a bandsman and really took me back to the 90’s when I was a member. Seeing old friends proudly pointing out their children was wonderful.  

Some may ask what is next for the youth band members. Based on past experience, many will go onto music college where careers in music are followed. Some will become accomplished soloists, principal players in top musical groups, some will have a career in Army bands – the world really is their oyster. 

Important question is “Would I buy tickets for a future NYBBW concert?” Absolutely yes. It was fantastic being in the audience. We all have favourite styles and pieces and it is great to be exposed to new and eclectic programmes. 

NYBBW is part of the National Youth Art Wales and other future concerts from other groups were detailed in the programme: 

National Youth Choir of Wales – 23 + 24 + 25 August 2025 
National Youth Dance Wales – 30 + 31 October at the Riverfront Theatre 
National Youth Orchestra of Wales – 30 November at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff