Penclawdd to celebrate ‘Small’ Anniversary
The Penclawdd Band in west Wales will mark its 50th Anniversary with a very special concert next month at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. The event, which will be held on Saturday 15th April at 7.00pm, also marks the incredible contribution made to the Welsh brass band movement of Tony Small, the band’s founding conductor.
Tony has inspired countless youngsters to enjoy making music ever since he started work as a teacher at the local Penclawdd Secondary Modern School in 1964. Soon after he began a brass class at a local Youth Club, with his young ensemble going on to win the regional Glamorgan Youth Eisteddfod in 1972 and a place at the 1973 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. As the young musicians matured the next natural step was to form the Penclawdd Public Band, now known as Penclawdd Brass. Over the years the band has enjoyed remarkable success, including winning the Welsh Regional Championship under Tony's baton in 1986 and going on to represent Wales at the Royal Albert Hall National Final.
The featured soloists for the special concert will be Tony's son Gareth, Principal Trumpet of the Halle Orchestra and Andy Davies who performs as part of the regular band at the world-renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. Also contributing to the evening’s celebrations will be the Pontardulais Male Choir and local soprano soloist, Ros Evans, all presented by well-known broadcaster and host Mal Pope.
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