*
banner

United Nations at BTM

MD Dewi Griffths will now have an international musical task force under his command at BTM Band.

BTM Band
 

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!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd