Williams Duo Thrives in Packed January Schedule

Key Points

• Glyn and Helen Williams, a prominent brass duo, enjoyed a packed January schedule with performances, masterclasses, workshops, and band visits.
• Supported by sponsors Adams Brass, Denis Wick Products, and Mercer & Barker Mouthpieces.
• Performed with Brassing Around Band at Llandaff Cathedral.
• Glyn returned to Aldbourne Band rehearsals for their annual January concert and West of England Regional Championships title defence.
• Supported West Midlands Brass Band Association outreach, leading over 50 delegates of all ages and abilities; delegates accompanied Helen in a solo, ending with ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from Hairspray.
• Joined Verwood Concert Band for ‘Night With The Stars’, delivering several solos and duets.
• Glyn led Aldbourne Band’s first concert of the year, reprising their ‘Through the Wardrobe’ programme from Brass in Concert.
• Concluded January with a Wantage organisation visit: morning workshop with over 30 players, afternoon soloist masterclass where delegates performed and received tips; one delegate called it “a great day!”.
• Ended Wantage day with a concert by Wantage Silver Band at the local church, featuring the duo as soloists.
• February continues busily with a trip to Bergen for Norwegian National Championships, where Glyn adjudicates and Helen listens.

Llandaff (Cardiff Daily) February 05, 2026 – Glyn and Helen Williams, the celebrated brass duo, have kicked off the new year with an action-packed January filled with performances, outreach initiatives, masterclasses, and band collaborations, backed by key sponsors Adams Brass, Denis Wick Products, and Mercer & Barker Mouthpieces.​

Who Are Glyn and Helen Williams?

The Williams duo, comprising Glyn and Helen Williams, are established figures in the British brass band community, known for their versatile performances and educational contributions. As reported in the original coverage by 4BR News, the new year got underway with their busy series of events, masterclasses, and visits to bands, highlighting their dual roles as performers and mentors.

Their schedule exemplifies dedication to both professional performance and community outreach, spanning cathedrals, concert halls, and workshops across England.

What Sparked Their January at Llandaff Cathedral?

The duo first took the stage as part of the Brassing Around Band at Llandaff Cathedral, enjoying a performance supported by Adams Brass, Denis Wick Products, and Mercer & Barker Mouthpiece. This event marked a joyful start, immersing them in the resonant acoustics of the historic venue in Cardiff’s Llandaff area.

According to 4BR News coverage, they “first enjoyed themselves in performance” there, setting a high-energy tone for the month.

Why Did Glyn Return to Aldbourne Band Rehearsals?

Soon after the cathedral gig, Glyn Williams returned to rehearsals with Aldbourne Band, focusing on preparations for their annual January concert and the defence of their West of England Regional Championships title. Aldbourne Band, a powerhouse in the brass scene, relies on Glyn’s leadership for these key events.

The 4BR report notes this swift transition, underscoring Glyn’s commitment to competitive brass banding alongside duo activities.

How Did They Support Outreach Efforts?

The duo lent their expertise to the outreach work of the West Midlands Brass Band Association, leading over 50 delegates of all ages and abilities. Participants had the chance to accompany Helen Williams in a solo performance, fostering hands-on learning.

The day wrapped up with a lively rendition of the Hairspray favourite ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, injecting fun into the educational session, as detailed in the 4BR article.

What Role Did They Play with Verwood Concert Band?

Glyn and Helen joined Verwood Concert Band for their ‘Night With The Stars’ event, where they performed several solos and duets. This starry evening showcased their musical synergy, delighting audiences with brass flair.

Following this, Glyn led Aldbourne Band in their first concert of the year, featuring a reprise of their well-received ‘Through the Wardrobe’ programme from Brass in Concert. The 4BR coverage highlights this as a seamless blend of duo and band leadership.

What Happened During the Wantage Workshop?

January drew to a close with a productive trip to the Wantage organisation. The morning featured a workshop with a band of more than 30 enthusiastic players, followed by a soloist masterclass in the afternoon.

Several delegates performed for their peers, after which Glyn and Helen offered tips and advice. One delegate later remarked it had been “a great day!”, capturing the session’s success, per the 4BR report.

How Did the Wantage Visit Conclude?

The day ended with a concert by Wantage Silver Band in the local church, where the duo served as featured soloists. This performance capped off a month of intensive engagement, blending education with live music.

4BR News describes it as completing “January … with a trip to work with the Wantage organisation”, emphasising the full day’s structure.

What Lies Ahead in February?

February promises equal busyness, with the duo heading to Bergen this weekend for the Norwegian National Championships. Glyn will adjudicate, while Helen enjoys listening, extending their influence internationally.

The 4BR article anticipates this trip, noting “February now seems to be just as busy”.

Which Sponsors Backed Their Activities?

Throughout these endeavours, Adams Brass, Denis Wick Products, and Mercer & Barker Mouthpieces provided crucial support. Denis Wick, a renowned name in brass accessories (without endorsing external links), aligns with the duo’s professional calibre.

Their backing enabled the diverse January slate, from cathedral performances to workshops.

Why Does This Matter for Brass Bands?

The Williams duo’s itinerary reflects the vibrant health of the UK brass band scene, promoting outreach, competition prep, and community building. Events like these sustain interest across generations, as seen with the 50+ delegates and 30+ workshop players.

Neutral observers note such activities bolster regional associations like West Midlands Brass Band Association and bands such as Aldbourne and Wantage Silver Band.

How Does Their Schedule Compare to Peers?

While specifics on peers remain outside this report, the Williams’ blend of performance (Llandaff, Verwood, Aldbourne, Wantage) and education (masterclasses, outreach) stands out. Glyn’s adjudicating in Norway adds a global dimension.

4BR’s comprehensive coverage positions them as exemplars in a competitive field.

In total, January showcased over half a dozen engagements, from sacred spaces like Llandaff Cathedral to secular venues like local churches. Glyn’s Aldbourne commitments intertwined with Helen’s solo spotlights, creating a dynamic partnership. Sponsors’ roles ensured high-quality delivery, while participant feedback like “a great day!” affirms impact. As they jet to Bergen, the duo’s momentum suggests 2026 will sustain this pace, enriching brass communities nationwide and beyond.