Horns

Richard Lewis

Instrument: Flugelhorn

Occupation: Staff Nurse

Why did you take up a brass instrument: My brothers, father and sister in law all played in brass bands - it was only natural for me to want to follow in their footsteps. 

Joined the band: 2018 (I think) but have been playing with brass bands from around the age of 7. 

Why did you join Ammanford Band: I was asked initially if I wanted to play flugelhorn and try it out with the band. I've never since looked back, everyone is so supportive and pushes me to be the best musician possible. 

First contest: The ones I remember most from memory as a child are Fishguard and the brangwyn hall comps. 

Previous Bands: West Glamorgan County Brass Band, GCG brass band & Swansea University Brass Ensemble.

Favourite Banding Memory: Playing for Hilary Clinton when she came to Swansea University to receive her honorary degree. That being said, I also enjoy any form of social event with Ammanford Brass band, especially the seasonal concerts!  

Favourite Contest: I honestly don't have one, I enjoy them all so much! 

Favourite Test Piece: Fire in the Blood/Suite Gothique

Favourite Park Job piece:  'Mid all the traffic 

Interesting Fact: I've wanted to play flugelhorn for years (I used to be a principle cornet player). Since Ammanford Brass Band facilitated this opportunity, I have fallen in love musically with the tones of the flugel so much so, that I've also had private tuition and undertaken additional music theory study to help me understand and develop musically. That's the thing with being a musician, there is always room for improvement, be that with technique, tonality, style, the list goes one and on. All I can say is thanks to Ammanford Brass Band for giving me this amazing opportunity.

Steve Jones

Instrument : Tenor Horn

Occupation : Local Authority Accountant

Why did you take up a brass instrument : Had a go on a friend’s cornet one day and found out I could play a note!

Joined the band : Originally in the mid 1990’s

First Contest : Welsh Regionals 1979

Previous Bands : Ystalyfera Public, GCG, British Steel Port Talbot, Burry Port, Tongwynlais

Favourite Banding Memory : Winning the 2nd Section National Finals with Ammanford in 2001

Favourite Contest : Senior Cup

Favourite Test Piece : Journey into Freedom

Favourite Park Job Piece : Whatever is last in the programme!

Interesting Fact : Having played in nearly every Regional contest in the past 40 years I’ve never been in a winning band!