The 2012 winner of the Eric James Memorial Trophy as Welsh Conductor of the Year was announced at the SEWBBA Contest in Blaenavon on the weekend.
Prestigious award
The latest recipient of the prestigious award is Matthew Jenkins, Musical Director of Goodwick Brass, who has led the West Wales band with remarkable success over the last few years.
Award spokesperson Alyn James told 4BR: "The idea for the award came from a group of my father’s friends following his death in 1990. My father had expressed the view that, all too often, the hard work of ‘grass roots’ conductors can go largely unrecognised and that an award of some kind might go some way to remedy this.
During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award."
The musical word
He added: "Matthew was a member of Cory Band whilst studying at the Welsh College of Music and Drama. Since completing his studies he has shown admirable commitment to his roots, successfully bringing the ‘musical word’ home to West Wales and enthusing a new generation of brass players. We hope this continues for a very long time to come."
Since completing his studies he has shown admirable commitment to his roots, successfully bringing the ‘musical word’ home to West Wales and enthusing a new generation of brass playersAlyn James
Past Recipients:
1992: E.J. (NOBBY) CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute / Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/ Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS – Beaumaris Band
2009: GARETH RITTER – City of Cardiff Band
2010: GARY DAVIES – Tylorstown Band
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS – Melingriffith 2
2012: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass
