City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) organisation has announced a trio of musical signings, with its M1 and M2 bands boosted by new and returning players

Bass, cornet and composer

The senior Championship Section M1 Band welcomes husband and wife team of Martin Davies and Carol Flanary-Davies, who join on principal Eb bass and assistant principal cornet, whilst Dave Collins become the new composer in association.

Pleased

Musical Director Gareth Ritter told 4BR that he was very pleased that the trio will be joining the Welsh band set up.

"I’m delighted to welcome Carol and Martin to M1. The experience and quality they bring is fantastic. We wish them a long and enjoyable time with us."

He added: "Dave is one of the brightest new compositional talents in brass music. We have really enjoyed performing his work we are sure the partnership will provide fantastic future opportunities for us."

City of Cardiff has already played several of his pieces, including, ‘Brooklyn’ and ‘Superstition’, and are looking forward to commissioning further new works.

Dave is one of the brightest new compositional talents in brass music. We have really enjoyed performing his work we are sure the partnership will provide fantastic future opportunities for usMD, Gareth Ritter

New works and welcome backs

Dave’s first work, ‘Lament’, was premiered by Milnrow in 2008 and he has since received commissions from the Norwegian duo of Aalborg Brass and Nordvestjysk Brass, as well as Rochdale Music Service, Bon Accord and Durham University among others.

He is currently composer in residence with the Fishburn Band.

The M2 Band also welcomes back Dave Howard on baritone and Richard Killen on Eb bass, in time for the Second Section National Championships in Cheltenham.