Welsh champion Tongwynlais has welcomed new faces to the ranks ahead of their Albert Hall challenge next month.

Oz retirement

Packing away his mouthpiece into retirement is the respected baritone player David Osborne, who leaves with heartfelt thanks for his support and dedication since coming out of retirement in January 2012.

Band Chairman Jason Bevan told 4BR: "Oz has been a stalwart of the band, and we were grateful when he initially agreed to help us out.

18 months later we wish Oz well and thank him for his superb commitment to us."

Cornish replacement

Meanwhile, Matt Rowe fills the empty seat on solo baritone from Lanner & District in Cornwall.

"Matt will be studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and is a fantastic signing," Jason added. "He helped us out over the summer and impressed everyone with his quality playing. He will be a great addition to the section."

Move

With Matt coming into the band, Kate Rowlands makes a move to second baritone.

Jason added: "Kate is a strong and dependable player and has delivered many stand-out performances on solo baritone. Her flexibility in welcoming Matt means we’ve got a great duo in place ahead of the National Finals."

Oz has been a stalwart of the band, and we were grateful when he initially agreed to help us out.18 months later we wish Oz well and thank him for his superb commitment to usChairman Jason Bevan

Bumper up

Finally, the solo cornet bench is brought up to full strength with the addition of John Smith as assistant principal cornet from BTM.

The Chairman concluded: "John brings a wealth of experience to our cornet section and it’s great to have a player such as him on board."