Back in the late summer of 2023, a discussion started between bands in the Forest of Dean with the idea of reforming the Forest of Dean Youth Band. From 1963 to about 1985 the Forest had a very successful youth band which met regularly and toured Germany and Holland on 10 occasions, with players remaining friends for the rest of their lives. With funds available from the old youth band and a grant of £100 from the GBBA, it was decided to go ahead with the project.
The first rehearsal took place in November when young people from various bands got together for the first time and included players from - Lydney, Lydbrook, Cinderford, Ross, Drybrook and Parkend bands.
The enthusiasm to reform the band was based on the National Youth Championships being held in Cheltenham in March 2024. It was thought to enter this festival would be a good target to aim for during the first six months of its existence. The band will enter the Prodigy section of the festival which is non-competitive and takes place at Dene Close school in Cheltenham on Saturday 23rd March. It was agreed to engage a conductor from outside the Forest to conduct the band and with this in mind, Anri Adachi will take the baton for the championships. Anri is a very experienced musician who is used to working with young people and is the conductor of Nailsworth Band.
The organisers of the band welcome young people from other areas (you don’t need to be a member of a brass band) and is all inclusive - if you’ve been playing for a little while and have a grasp of the basics of your instrument, you are welcome to come along and join in the fun. Participation in the Forest of Dean Youth Band is free of charge and the next rehearsal will be at Parkend band room on Sunday 4th February at 2.30pm. The criteria for the youth championships are that you must be under 19 on the 31st August this year. For more information, please contact one of the bands shown above or call Robert Morgan on 0779 644 2463 or Kevin Ford on 01594 530886.
Full safeguarding measures are in place and parents will be asked to provide details of their child’s/parent/guardian contact details and any medical needs.