Beaumaris MD Gwyn Evans has publically thanked professional trumpeter and former player Cai Isfryn (right) for the work he undertook in preparing the North Wales band for their appearance at the recent Welsh Regional Championship in Swansea.

Stepped in

Cai stepped in to help out with the baton as Gwyn was following doctor’s orders to take a well earned rest following a minor health scare, before returning to take the band on the Brangwyn Hall stage.

Cai was taught by Gwyn as a youngster growing up in Anglesey, and helped lay the musical foundations for him to develop into an outstanding performer who subsequently played for Black Dyke, before moving to London to embark on what has since become a flourishing professional trumpet career.

Wonderful musician

Gwyn told 4BR: "I couldn’t have thought of anyone better to step in to help me out. He is wonderful musician and such a natural talent. The band loved having him back, and it also gave him a chance to come home and visit his parents too, who live just 3 miles from the bandroom!"

He is wonderful musician and such a natural talent. The band loved having him back, and it also gave him a chance to come home and visit his parents too, who live just 3 miles from the bandroom!Gwyn Evans

Such demand

Although the end result didn’t quite go to plan, Gwyn was remarkably sanguine about it all.

"Given the circumstances I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the band: That’s contesting. I can’t thank Cai enough though, as he travelled all the way up from London to North Wales time and again. No wonder he is in such demand as musician."