On Saturday 2nd June 2007 the second Gwent Youth Brass Solo & Quartet Contest took place and proved a very successful day with over one hundred brass players taking part representing a variety of youth bands throughout the county. The adjudicators for the day were David Childs and Richard Marshall. Before the announcement of the results for the Solo section of the Contest, David and Richard took the opportunity to speak to their young audience on many aspects of brass playing, including breathing, stage presentation (smiling!!) and the art of the slow melody and Air Varie. Alun F Williams, Head of Service commented, "David and Richard displayed why they are at the top of their profession. David played Myfanwy, and explained beforehand how the words are important in making a slow melody work. His playing was sublime as ever, holding the audience in the palm of his hand. Richard then showed the mastery of his instrument by effortlessly playing through Del Staigers, Carnival Of Venice. This was the ultimate demonstration of how to play an Air Varie. Both performers left the capacity audience spell bound!"

Later in June, David and Richard once again teamed up, this time as special guest soloists for a 'Brass Band Spectacular' to raise funds for the National Youth Brass Band of Wales' tour to Canada later this month. The concert featured the RWCMD Brass Band with their conductor, Dr. Robert Childs and special guest conductor, Dr. Nicholas Childs of the Black Dyke Band.


Robert, David, Richard & Nicholas

Richard treated his audience with a variety of solos including a breathtaking performance of 'Virtuosity' in which he swapped his cornet for a trumpet! The entire cornet section of the RWCMD Brass Band joined Richard for his encore item: Buglers Holiday.



David also performed a couple of solos with the band including Peter Graham's 'tour de force' Brillante before he was joined by members of the college band's euphonium section for a quartet setting of Danny Boy. David is euphonium tutor at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, so this impromtu encore provided a unique opportunity to hear teacher and students perform as one.


Shoko Morimoto, David, Rob Fox & Matt Jenkins

The appearance of David & Richard was made possible by their sponsors 'York' whose generosity and support contributed to raising in excess of 'a31000 for the worthy cause that is the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

For more information on international cornet and trumpet virtuoso Richard Marshall visit: www.richardmarshall.info