On 26 April 2026, Rafi Gil-Keeling, aged 8, won two trophies at the Oxford & District Brass Band Association contest: one in the ‘Slow Melody’ class for players under 9, and another for being the youngest contestant. At last year’s contest, he also won his first-ever trophy for youngest contestant.
For the ‘Slow Melody’ class, Rafi performed Gluck’s Che Faro on cornet. Just a few hours later, he played the same piece again at a concert by Stour Concert Brass at Shipston Church.
At the concert, Rafi also performed as a solo cornet player with the Shipston Training Band, who presented a selection of popular pieces in the second half, conducted by Kevin Pitt.
Rafi has been taking cornet lessons with Shipston Brass Academy since September 2025 and is making excellent progress.