Cory Academy Returns for 2026/27 with Free Coaching and Performance Opportunities

Cory Band members team up with Arts & Business Cymru and Little Inspirations Day Nursery to deliver tuition and stage experiences for young brass and percussion players

Great news for young brass and percussion musicians across Wales and beyond, Cory Band have announced the return of the Cory Academy for the 2026/27 season.

Designed to support, inspire and elevate players up to 20 years old, the initative gives emerging talent the chance to learn directly from members of the Cory Band.

The programme is completely free to participate in. The tuition is fully funded through the support of Arts & Business Cymru and its Culturestep programme, alongside a new partnership with Little Inspirations Day Nursery.

Learn from world-class musicians

Led by world-renowned trombone soloist, Brett Baker, the 2026/27 Cory Academy features a star-studded coaching team drawn from the ranks of the Cory Band:

• Cornets: Kyle Lawson

• Tenor Horns: George Fearnley

• Euphoniums & Baritones: Anthony Smith and Charlie Boax

• Trombones: Brett Baker

• Tubas: Rob Nicholson

• Percussion: Steve Jones

The programme is open to players working at a Grade 5 standard or equivalent, with no audition required to join.

The Cory Academy is structured to complement, rather than replace, a player's existing band commitment. Members are fully encouraged to continue performing with their local youth bands, brass bands, school and local ensembles alongside attending Academy dates.

2026/27 Session dates

Beyond sectionals and masterclasses, members will get the rare experience of performing live on stage, alongside the full Cory Band ensemble during the year.

Sessions will run across four key dates:

• Sunday 22nd November 2026

• Saturday 13 February 2027

• Sunday 4th April 2027

• Saturday 15th May 2027

While based in Wales, the Academy welcomes young brass and percussion players from all regions who are keen to develop their performance confidence and ensemble skills.

Places are allocated through registration. Sign up now via the official Cory Academy Registration Portal.

Bonus opportunity: RWCMD side-by-side day in cardiff

In addition to the main Academy sessions, young players aged 11-18 (Grade 5 standard and above) can register for a special Side by Side with Cory Band day at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Taking place on Sunday 11th October 2026 (9:00am-5:00pm) at the Dora Stoutzker Hall in Cardiff, this free event features rehearsals and coaching led by Cory Band Musical Director, Philip Harper, alongside RWCMD staff and students.

The day concludes with participants performing side-by-side with Cory Band during their 3:00pm afternoon concert.

This event requires a separate registration via the RWCMD Event Booking Link.