Tredegar Town Band has announced that Stephen Sykes has accepted the position of principal trombone.

Radio 2

Stephen is currently the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist 2009, a former principal trombone of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and winner of many other prestigious solo awards.

Musical Director, Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "I first heard Stephen play around 10 years ago at the International Brass Band Summer School where his father and I were tutors."

Stephen performs with a maturity that belies his years, and his natural sense of style and general musicianship make his talent a very special oneIan Porthouse

Talented

Ian added: "His potential was evident even then and over the last few years he has been making quite a name for himself as one of the most talented young players of his generation. He is also a very personable young man who is a pleasure to work with.

"Stephen performs with a maturity that belies his years, and his natural sense of style and general musicianship make his talent a very special one."

Aim

Band Secretary Mark Winstone told 4BR: "Tredegar have a fine group of young soloists that include Vicky Reynolds on tenor horn, Adrian Williams on soprano and Dewi Griffiths on principal cornet, as well as some very experienced players in other principal roles.

"Stephen's appointment strengthens the band once again and only helps in the aim of making Tredegar a leading force in the banding world."

First performance

Stephens’s first performance with the band takes place this Saturday, at Shrewsbury Abbey, where guests will be the Shropshire Youth Band who will join Tredegar to perform Phillip Sparke’s 'Suite' — 'Hymn of the Highlands'.

Also included in the programme will be the world premier performance of 'The Smile by Matthew Hall', the bands Associate Composer.