THE Vale of Glamorgan Brass Band has been celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has given a variety of concerts at venues in the Vale. On Friday, October 31 the band will present their Autumn Concert directed by David Short in the Parish Hall, Britway Road, Dinas Powys.

The band, which is sponsored by Dinas Powys uniform outfitters ‘A Class Apart’ and ‘CJ Contract Travel Services Ltd’ of Barry, will include a number of well known pieces in the concert, including show songs, traditional brass band arrangements and marches.

The Special Guest for the concert is Euphonium Soloist Robert Burnett who says:

“I started my musical journey playing bass drum in the Salvation Army, and at the age of 10, I was given a euphonium by my Dad who was the Junior Bandleader and told to “just get on with it.”

“I played with the Salvation Army Band until aged 18 and tried to give up playing, but my Mum would have none of it and she pushed me into joining another band.”

Robert went on to play Solo Euphonium with many of Wales' top Bands, including Cory, Tredegar and Parc & Dare, playing at venues throughout the UK and in Europe. He is now retired from top level banding and was a founder member of the ‘Vintage Cory Band’.

“I spent some time living in France where I was ‘forced’ to come out of ‘playing retirement’ to play for two French bands. Although, I am now living back in Wales where I have joined the Mid Rhondda Band as Solo Euphonium, where lots of my old Cory pals play. I am also enjoying the less competitive atmosphere of lower section banding.”

Besides playing, Robert also likes to take the opportunity to appear as a Guest Conductor. He has wielded the baton for many Welsh bands and the two bands in France. The Vale of Glamorgan Band has already had the privilege of working with Robert in the last few months, when he helped in their preparations for their appearance at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli, where they achieved a very creditable 4th place. He also conducted the Band at their last concert at Fonmon Castle in September.

The Band has been fortunate in this Anniversary year to play alongside some very talented local musicians, including the Porthcawl Male Choir, Cornet Soloist, Robert Westacott and Singer, Patsy Hunt. They are very much looking forward to working again with Robert Burnett in Dinas Powys.

Tickets to the concert cost £5 each which will be available on the door from 6.45pm or you can reserve them in advance by contacting Phil Maunder on 07917 796841. The concert will begin at 7.30pm.