BRASS bands are something that, for many people, conjure up stereotypes. Whether it be the marching band at the head of a parade, playing on the bandstand in the park on a balmy Sunday afternoon, or as a musical link back to our industrial heritage – an anachronism in the 21st century – a symbol of amateur music-making.

When I visit Tredegar Town Band’s rehearsal nothing could be further removed from what I hear.

The virtuosity is at times breathtaking and the musical standards are of the highest order. At times the decibel count can be shatteringly high, though this is balanced by the band’s ability to play at a whisper and with great delicacy when required.

The music being rehearsed is designed to push the 28 members of the band to their limits. They are being put through their paces in a test piece, Electra, by Martin Ellerby.

On Saturday they and about 20 other bands from across the country will be under the utmost scrutiny as they compete at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in this year’s British Open Brass Band Championships.

They will be up against the other top bands, including familiar names in the field such as Cory, Grimethorpe, Brighouse and Black Dyke. Contests are at the heart of the brass band world and bands are ranked according to results – Tredegar Town Band is currently ranked third in the world. This is clearly a golden era in their history.

Though they have been consistent contest winners since their formation in 1876 ( including numerous victories at the National Eisteddfod) and have long been regarded as one of the country’s leading groups, it was their ‘double’ in 2010, when they were the first ever band to win both the British Open and the Grand Shield, that was a pinnacle in their history.

Much of this success must be attributed to the appointment in 2008 of Ian Porthouse as conductor.

Having previously built up an awesome reputation as a cornet player with many of the leading bands in the north of England, including being principal cornet of Black Dyke, he is now head of brass at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

As I watch him dissect the complex score in rehearsal, it is clear he has a rapport with his players and they have the utmost respect for him. He is quietly spoken, laid back even, and he eschews the stressed ranting that some conductors can resort to under pressure approaching such a major event.

It is a mad week for the band. Not only will they rehearse every day but on Monday evening they also found time to perform at the lighting of the Olympic flame for the Paralympics at City Hall, Cardiff. Here they played a piece, Activate, by one of their own – Mathew Hall.

As a failed brass player myself it was a humbling experience to hear such world class playing on my doorstep. I urge anyone with a love of music, in whatever form, to put any preconceptions to one side and to go to hear this elite ensemble.