THE BAND'S HISTORY:

Aiming to provide an opportunity for players to improve and make music together in a friendly atmosphere.

Newport Borough Brass Band was formed in 1971 and was helped by the interest shown by several people including Newport Borough Council’s Music Adviser, Mr Ron Cleake. Although receiving only minimal support from bodies such as Newport Council, the band grew and developed over the following years.

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The Band started in the contesting field in 1985 under the leadership of Mr Ivor Barnett, the then Musical Director, reaching the Second Section (having started in the fourth) in 1998. The high points were wins in the Welsh Area qualifying contest twice resulting in the Band representing Wales at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in London. Other successes included wins in several other contests in both England and Wales.

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During 1997 and 1998 Newport Borough Brass Band became international performers, having played in France’s Falaise Cathedral. Like many town bands, Newport Borough Brass Band has rehearsed in different venues over the years including Beechwood House and Newport Central YMCA building, and later being relocated to St Michael’s Church Hall. The band became affiliated to Newport YMCA and when the new YMCA building was built on Mendalgief Road, Pillgwenlly, in 1997, a new purpose built bandroom, designed by the officers of the band, was incorporated in the building.

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Since 1998, the band has had the services of several Musical Directors with varying degrees of success and in 2010 saw the return of Mr Ivor Barnett as Musical Director, the band having turned full circle.

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On 12th November 2012, following the resignation of Mr Ivor Barnett, the band welcomed Mr Robin Hackett as Musical Director. Newport Band is a 1st Section contesting band, however we also enjoy performing concerts at a number of venues throughout the year.

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The band prides itself on being friendly and forward looking, welcoming new players, nurturing youthful talent, and encouraging the promotion of young players from the Training Band into its ranks. Most recently, Graham Middleton was promoted from Principal Cornet of the Training Band, to 3rd Cornet of the main band, where he then made his contesting debut at the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships, 2019.

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