Founded in 1883, the Ancienne Cécilia brass band has 82 active members and is renowned in the world of brass bands for having won two victories at the Federal Festival and three others at the Cantonal Festival in the Excellence category. Its director for 36 years, Arsène Duc, joined the band at the age of 11 and took over as director at 23. In 2008, he founded and conducted the Valaisia Brass Band, an Excellence category ensemble that has won seven Swiss championships, one European championship, one British Open victory and one World Vice-Championship Cup. Arsène Duc also enjoys composing and arranging pieces for his various ensembles when he has the time.
