Tredegar has welcomed a brace of new signings ahead of their challenge for the National title at the Royal Albert Hall on 20th October.

New duo

With solo horn player Chris Davies moving to start a new career in Scotland, the band has signed former Hepworth principal horn Hannah Drage.

Meanwhile, with solo euphonium Buzz Newton returning to New Zealand a few weeks after the National Finals, they have sought a new addition as co-principal from the United States of America, with the signing of Grant Jameson from the Dublin Silver Band in Ohio.

Looking forward

Both Hannah and Grant are students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and are looking forward to enjoying banding life at the Masters champions.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to play with one of the best bands in the country,” Hannah said. “I’m already enjoying myself and I’m looking forward to making my contest debut at the Royal Albert Hall."

Meanwhile, Grant is also looking forward to teaming up with a band when he makes his debut at the Brass in Concert Championships in Gateshead.

"To come to Cardiff and be able to be sign for Tredegar is amazing. They are a great band and make an awesome sound. I’m going to enjoy my time here for certain."

Quality

MD Ian Porthouse has welcomed the new signings: "It’s important that we are able to attract young players of this quality to the band – and these are certainly two of the very best.

The connection to the Royal Welsh College through Head of Brass Dr Robert Childs has benefited us greatly over the past few years, and that has certainly been the case with Hannah and Grant. They are two excellent additions to the band’s strength."

The connection to the Royal Welsh College through Head of Brass Dr Robert Childs has benefited us greatly over the past few years, and that has certainly been the case with Hannah and GrantIan Porthouse

Newton return

Meanwhile, Byron Newton’s growing solo reputation has been recognised in his home country with the news that he has been invited to be the guest soloist with the National Youth Band of New Zealand for their 2013 course early next year.

Buzz, who has completed his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama by gaining his FTCL, BMUS, PGDIPM (dist) and MA (dist) will be returning to New Zealand to live and work after his final contest appearance at the National Finals.

Honour

"It’s a real honour to be asked to be the guest soloist with the National Youth Band," he said.

"The course will be held in Otago at the end of January next year, and with me returning home after two great years in Wales, it’s an ideal way to start what I hope will be a successful performing career in my home country."

Superb

Although sad to lose one of his star performers, MD Ian Porthouse is delighted that Buzz will be making an immediate playing impact on his return home.

"He’s been a superb player for Tredegar and one that we will miss. We will be making the most of him in his final few weeks though as we will also be featuring Buzz as our own guest soloist in our forthcoming concerts."