Trombones

Instrument: Trombone

Occupation: Local Government Officer

Why did you take up a brass instrument: Started learning brass around 1975 / 76 at school with Ivor Davies & then joined the 'reformed' Ammanford Band, there had been no Band in Ammanford since they won the National Eisteddfod at Ammanford in August 1970 under Haydn Morris and they disbanded after this contest. 

The Band Room door had been 'kept open' for a number of years by Raymond Tancock who maintained a small 'junior band' functioning for these years and he taught several youngsters. Ivor Davies was appointed Bandmaster and the Band was eventually reformed with several old stalwarts returning to the fold and myself joining initially the junior and shortly after senior band. 

First contest: Ivor competed with the 'reformed' band on April 23rd 1977 at the Brangwyn Hall (my first notable contest) the Band came first out of many, and represented Wales at the 4th Section National Finals at Hammersmith later that year 

Despite some 'broken' years service I am probably the current longest serving playing member, I have been Junior Band master, Senior Band master, committee member, I am a Trustee of the Band.

Favourite Banding memories: Too many to list, but include conducting the Band at the then prestigious Pontins Contest at Bream Sands in the 80's and coming 6th out of 21 bands, the Miner's Galas at Cardiff were unforgettable annual experiences prior to the demise of the NCB (attended by 10's of thousands) with all the colliery bands marching through the city and the massive miners' Rally at Sophia Gardens and Brass Band contest after. The Annual Miner's Gala band competition at the Winter Gardens Blackpool were fantastic trips as well as unforgettable!

Favourite Test Piece: Peter Schmoll Overture - won many an 'own choice' on this

Favourite Park job piece: Dambusters March'

Interesting Fact/Something we didn't know: I am also a member of several groups and bands, my passion is Jazz. I was a member of the Pontarddulais Band for a time in the 1980's and toured Holland with them. I also manage the Constellation Big Band based in Swansea.

Instrument: Baritone

Occupation: Student at Bro Myrddin School

Why did you take up a brass instrument: I tried playing a trumpet but I just couldn't hit the high notes

Joined the band: August 2018

Why did you join the band: I wanted to be challenged and to socialise with other brass players whilst doing so

First contest: West Wales Festival Contest

Previous Band(s): Pontarddulais Junior Band

Favourite Banding memory:  Playing same part against my great uncle in Welsh Area 2019

Favourite Contest: 2019 Welsh Area

Favourite test piece: Rise of the Phoenix

Favourite park job piece: Don't Stop Me Now

Interesting fact/something we didn't know: I enjoy solving a Rubik's cube