C Brian Buckley was one of Wales’s most influential brass band figures, whose impact as an instrumentalist, conductor, adjudicator and educator will be felt for generations. He worked as a highly respected and well-qualified Chartered Scientist, specializing in water science and risk management. However, to those in the brass band world, he was best known as an accomplished conductor and adjudicator.
Brian’s musical journey began in the 1950s with the Tredegar Town Band, appointed as Principal Cornet of Tredegar at just 14 years old where he remained for 25 years before transitioning into his long-serving role as President.
A remarkable musician, Brian was a brilliant cornet player. Equally proficient on the trumpet, he often performed semi-professionally in local orchestras and for amateur dramatic productions. As a conductor, Brian led bands in over 200 competitions working with many bands, including Rogerstone, Penclawdd, Tongwynlais, Markham,Hyman, Pontardulais, Torbay and Pontypool Youth Bands. He also adjudicated and held leadership roles, serving as Chair of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors, Secretary of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and working as a member of Kapitol Promotions’ Music Panel, helping to select test pieces for major competitions.
Passionate about youth music, Brian was a dedicated supporter of both The National Youth Orchestra, The National Youth Brass Bands of Wales (NYBBW) and The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB), attending as many concerts as possible. He inspired countless musicians, young and old, and exemplified excellence in all that he did.
