Tongwynlais Temperance Band has announced that Paul McGhee has been appointed as their first Composer-in-Residence.

Ministry of Love

Paul studied composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under Andrew Wilson-Dickson, gaining many prizes and accolades for his brass writing, which culminated with his work, 'The Ministry of Love', being performed at the 2006 RNCM Festival of Brass.

Pain

In 2007 he was a prize winner in the Swiss Brass Band Associations composers’ competition, and his work, 'Waiting for the Pain Hit!??!!?' will be used as the set work for the 2010 Swiss National Championships later this year.

Paul has become increasingly interested in extended techniques for brass instruments and ways to incorporate them into his music, leading to two pieces being written for horn soloist Owen Farr.

I am looking forward over the next months and years to see what new ideas and music we can bring to the brass band repertoireComposer, Paul McGhee

Looking forward

Paul commented to 4BR: "I’m really looking forward to working with the Tongwynlais. The progress of the band has been very impressive and the commitment that they want to give to contemporary music is extremely refreshing.

I am looking forward over the next months and years to see what new ideas and music we can bring to the brass band repertoire."

Excited

Band Manager Nick Wills added: "We are all very excited with this collaboration. Paul is a very talented composer and we are looking forward to performing his works and recording projects in the very near future."