There has been a flurry of new signings at the BTM Band during the past few months to give the Welsh band a real ‘United Nations’ player profile.

English

Under the direction of MD Dewi Griffiths, the Welsh top flight outfit has welcomed RWCMD student Jack Capstaff on soprano cornet. Jack previously played with Shepherd Group, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery and York Railway Institute Bands.

Norwegian & Cornish

There have also been two tuba signings in the form of Alexander Torsvik, on Bb Bass – a Norwegian exchange student who has previously played with Rong Brass, HUK, Toftøy Skulemusikk, and Eikanger-Bjørsvik Junior Band, and RWCMD graduate and proud Cornishman Jake Pritchard, who comes in on Solo Eb tuba from Tredegar.

Australian, Scottish and Luxembourgian

Australian Michael Pilley takes on the solo trombone role after successful spells with the University of Melbourne Engineering Music Society, the Monash University Philharmonic Society and a short spell at Welsh rivals Burry Port, whilst Scotsman and RWCMD student Peter Jackson joins on second euphonium.

Another RWCMD student, Tania Mousel, who hails from Luxembourg, comes in on first horn.

Welsh

The Welsh element is not lost however with Megan Jackson and Megan Landeg joining the percussion section, Richard Ward coming in on solo cornet from Abergavenny and Kirsty Davies also returning to the cornet section after a spell playing percussion!

There is a real strength in depth now in all sections and we are looking ahead with confidence and shows that BTM is able to attract top class players from all over the banding world!MD, Dewi Griffths

International confidence

MD Dewi Griffiths told 4BR: "These are all great signings for the band as we prepare for the final Welsh League contest of the year at Blaenavon.

There is a real strength in depth now in all sections and we are looking ahead with confidence and shows that BTM is able to attract top class players from all over the banding world!"