A very busy few weeks have culminated in national recognition for the Pembrokeshire Schools' Bands.
During the recent visit to Pembrokeshire by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Pembrokeshire Schools' Jazz Ensembles were commissioned to play at Pembroke Castle. The members of the band were selected from each of the secondary schools in the county.
During the performance, the Duke spoke to the band's directors, Gareth Sanders and Tim Bourne. The Duke also spoke to the students in the band and commented favourably on the quality of their playing.
How right the Royal comments proved to be.
On Sunday, December 2, the Wales and West of England Regional Band Festival was held in Chepstow and as result of the band's performance, the Pembrokeshire Schools' Jazz Ensemble and Wind Band were invited to play at the Great Britain Band Festival to be held in Manchester in March.
Over 90 musicians represented Pembrokeshire at the festival where bands from throughout the South West of England and South Wales performed before eminent adjudicators.
The Jazz Ensemble and Big Band, under the leadership of Gareth Sanders and Tim Bourne, played in the Youth Big Band Class and received Silver and Bronze Awards respectively.
Afterwards, the Jazz Ensemble were invited to perform in the National Festival to be held at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, in March.
The Pembrokeshire Schools' Wind Band of 80 musicians, under the musical direction of Tim Bourne, played in the County Wind Band category and were awarded a Silver Award. They were also selected from the 12 bands to represent Wales in the National Festival of Manchester.
Said the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Mrs. Rosemary Hayes: "Pembrokeshire can be proud of the standards attained by its young musicians. They are able to achieve such high levels of performance thanks to the opportunities provided by the county council's music service."