The BTM Band has welcomed a brace of new players ahead of their end of season Welsh League challenge at the SEWBBA Blaenavon contest later this month.

Euphonium

18 year old Sion Rhys Jones joins on principal euphonium from the Llanrug Band after moving to Cardiff to study euphonium at the RWCMD.

Band Manager Jeff Hutcherson told 4BR: "We are very happy that Sion decided to join us. He is a great prospect, and recently won the Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod. We are all looking forward to working with this talented young player."

Sion added: "I’ve always wanted to hold a principal euphonium seat with a top Championship band, and am lucky enough to have been given this opportunity with BTM. I can't wait to get started."

Solo cornet

Meanwhile, after helping BTM out at the recent Wychavon competition, Rhys Barrett joins on the front row cornet bench.

The former Tredegar player has just finished his studies at Birmingham Conservatoire and has moved back home to Wales. Rhys also plays soprano and has been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band.

It will really give us a boost as we look forward to working once again under David Maplestone for our upcoming appearances at the Blaenavon contest and beyondBTM Band

Boost

Jeff Hutcherson added: "It's great having these fresh new faces at BTM. It will really give us a boost as we look forward to working once again under David Maplestone for our upcoming appearances at the Blaenavon contest and beyond."