About The Group
The Band leads the Santa Semana Procession, Mahon 2012
Gwent Charity Brass came together because of the inspiration of Lana Tingay and her family. It has it’s foundations in the many links built up between various British brass bands and the Rotary Club of Menorca. The successive bands, which have toured Menorca, all have one common factor - Lana.
The Menorcan visits started in 2000 when Lana was Musical Director of Friezland Band based in Saddleworth. Friezland's 32 musicians were invited to play in Menorca by the Rotary Club. This inaugural visit to Menorca proved to be a great success; not just with concert performances, but Friezland gained the distinction of becoming the first brass band invited to lead the Easter Sunday Parade into the Santa Maria Church in Mahon. In subsequent visits Friezland had the honour of leading the entire religious procession on Good Friday, culminating in playing "Abide with me" at the end of the parade. Friezland followed up their 2000 success with visits in 2001, 2005 and 2007, all with Lana at the helm.
In 2007 Lana and her family moved to South Wales where she continued her involvement in the brass band scene. Lana soon became involved with Abergavenny Borough Brass Band and in 2010 the band was invited to take part in the island’s Easter Celebrations and concerts; again hosted by the Rotary Club of Menorca.
The Menorcan visits started in 2000 when Lana was Musical Director of Friezland Band based in Saddleworth. Friezland's 32 musicians were invited to play in Menorca by the Rotary Club. This inaugural visit to Menorca proved to be a great success; not just with concert performances, but Friezland gained the distinction of becoming the first brass band invited to lead the Easter Sunday Parade into the Santa Maria Church in Mahon. In subsequent visits Friezland had the honour of leading the entire religious procession on Good Friday, culminating in playing "Abide with me" at the end of the parade. Friezland followed up their 2000 success with visits in 2001, 2005 and 2007, all with Lana at the helm.
In 2007 Lana and her family moved to South Wales where she continued her involvement in the brass band scene. Lana soon became involved with Abergavenny Borough Brass Band and in 2010 the band was invited to take part in the island’s Easter Celebrations and concerts; again hosted by the Rotary Club of Menorca.
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Gwent Charity Brass was formed in 2012 as a result of the logistical difficulties posed by travelling with such a large group. It brings together musicians of all ages from a variety of bands, many of them from the Abergavenny area. This smaller group still brings a 'big' sound to Menorca and the distinctive resonance of brass rings out from many venues over the Easter period.
While the main purpose of the tour is for the group to bring its music to help the Rotarians’ raise money for the many great causes they support; it also allows one and all to experience the joy of mixing music and companionship. Youth masterclasses have become an extremely pleasurable and productive feature of the week allowing Lana and the players to give their expertise and passion for music to help inspire the young musicians of the island. A learning experience they engage the youngsters in a relaxed and fun approach to musical performance and a source of pride for the families who greatly enjoy seeing their youngsters perform in the end of course concert. It’s not all work and no play - the group is able to combine their concerts and parades with sightseeing and relaxing on this working holiday. Gwent Charity Brass is a collection of individuals bound together by their love of music and entertaining others. They have a strong feeling of community which is emphasised by the family and friendship links within the group. |
Masterclass Concert - Es Castell (2019)
Group Line-up 2024
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