Euphonium star, David Childs, has entered a new phase in his career, having taken on the musical directorship of the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Wind Band. David made his formal debut as conductor of the band at a gala concert inaugurating the first Cardiff International Wind Band Festival on 27 October, 2012, of which he is also a patron along with Baroness Randerson.

The concert, which took place in the striking Dora Stoutzker Hall of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (a venue as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside) included five outstanding guest soloists - David Cowly (principal oboist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales), percussionist, Simone Rebello, Black Dyke principal cornet, Richard Marshall, saxophonist, Gerard McChrystal and David Childs himself.

The participating bands were Abraham Darby Academy Showband conducted by Rachel Morton,  Greater Gwent Youth Modern Ensemble conducted by Paul Hornsby, Northampton County Youth Concert Band conducted by Peter Smalley and Cardiff and Vale Youth Wind Band (which hosted the festival) conducted by David Childs and his immediate predecessor, former principal tuba of Welsh National Opera, Sean O’Neill. The concert was presented by American-born wind band specialist, Bruce Perkins, and the programmes drew largely from the American and British repertoire, with music by Philip Sparke, Peter Graham, Edwin Roxburgh (who was present), Nigel Hess, Richard Saucedo, Mark Camphouse, Robert Jager, Eric Whitacre and Dan Price among others.

David directing Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Youth Wind Band

David performing as soloist with Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Youth Wind Band

The standard of playing was uniformly high (indeed, sometimes one could imagine one was listening to the professional Koseo Wind Ensemble or a top military band) and the soloists dazzled with their various performances. In an introductory programme note, the festival’s Artistic Director, Sean O’Neill, said that the event, sponsored by Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, Ev-entz, Friends of the Friary Youth Wind Band and GK Graphic Design, promised to be inspirational, and so it was in every respect.     

Rodney Newton