A GROUP of Pembrokeshire musicians took to one of the country’s most prestigious stages earlier this month.

The Pembrokeshire Schools’ Brass Ensemble showed off their expertise at the Schools’ Prom at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Their concert outing followed impressive performances in the Music For Youth regional and national festivals earlier this summer.

With a capacity audience of 3,000 people, the 15 youngsters from all over Pembrokeshire enthralled the audience by playing Fishguard bass trombonist Ben Williams Stacey’s arrangement of Calon Lan followed by Bissel’s arrangement of Jealousy.

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Tom Richards, who attended the concert – along with many parents and friends - said he was extremely proud of the young musicians.

“I cannot applaud them enough for their fantastic achievement,” he said.

“Not just for their wonderful performance on the night but also for the dedication and commitment they have shown over the years to get to this stage.”

Horn player Cara Watson from Sir Thomas Picton said it had been an “amazing experience.”

“I was so excited to get on stage because the atmosphere was incredible. I would do it again everyday if I could!”

Principal trumpet Alex Morgan from Ysgol Y Preseli said it had been a privilege to play on such a prestigious platform.

“I was feeling extremely nervous before the performance, but once I stepped on centre stage the nerves seemed to disappear. I am very grateful to the Pembrokeshire Music Service for providing me and my fellow musicians with this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The Pembrokeshire Schools’ Symphonic Brass Ensemble was formed three years ago in response to a growing interest in advanced brass playing in the County.

It is part of the network of performing opportunities run by the Pembrokeshire County Council’s Music Service.

The ensemble had been prepared for the Albert Hall event by brass teacher Colin Barrett.

The students who performed in the ensemble were:

Dominic Belli, Matthew Ashton-Smith, Thomas Jordan, Alex Morgan, Ben Lawrence, Tomas Lawrence, Cara Watson, Christopher Mayhew, Ben Williams Stacey, Nicolas Macdonald, Tom Prestwich, Jordan James, Aled Meredith-Barrett, Kiran Dearing and Dafydd Ridgway.