The Cory Band has announced the death of John Trotman, their highly respected former player, administrator, trustee and life member.

Family tie

He passed away on Wednesday 9th July, aged 86, bringing to an end a family connection that stretched back over 100 years to 1911, when his grandfather first played bass with the Ton Pentre based band.

John followed his own father, a fine euphonium player, into the band in 1937 — first playing cornet, before moving to flugel and then horn. He finally followed his grandfather’s lead and enjoyed a highly successful tenure in the Cory bass section, where he was part of the band that won the 1974 National Championship of Great Britain and the European Championship in 1980.

Commitment

Despite retiring from full time applying in 1981, his commitment to his beloved band saw him play percussion on their 1983 National title winning success on ‘Ballet for Band’, before he took up various committee and administration roles — including becoming the band’s librarian.

In addition to his connection with Cory, John Trotman was a tireless worker for the Welsh brass banding movement — fulfilling numerous executive roles and becoming a familiar supportive figure to all bands at the various local and regional Welsh contests.

Generous

Musical Director Philip Harper told 4BR: "John was present for my first rehearsal with the band in 2012, and was at most band practices, twice a week.

He was always generous in his encouragement, and I really enjoyed getting to know him better and finding out about his family's ties to Cory. What impressed me the most though was his incredible passion for the band."

Emotion

He added: "When talking of past experiences his eyes would twinkle with excitement, and he would fervently grip your arm in conversation.

I can remember the phone call back to his home in the Rhondda after we had won the Nationals last year — his voice cracking with deep-felt emotion.

He simply said he was very proud that both the National and Welsh trophies were safely inside the bandroom one more time."

Esteem

Cory Life Member John Southcombe added: "This is an extremely sad day for Cory and the brass band movement in general.

The sheer volume of condolence messages and memories that have been posted about John on the bands website, social media pages, and through personal calls from all over the world is testament to the high esteem in which he was held.

Everyone associated with Cory Band will sorely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers right now are with his wife Doreen and the rest of the family. He was a true gentleman, bandsman, and a Cory legend whose memory will live on for as long as the baton comes down in front of his beloved band."

I really enjoyed getting to know him better and finding out about his family's ties to Cory. What impressed me the most though was his incredible passion for the bandMD, Philip Harper

Tributes

Tributes have been paid from bands throughout the world, with Alywn Powell of Tredegar Band, who knew John Trotman throughout his banding career telling 4BR. "He really was an icon of Cory Band — a wonderful man, who I had the pleasure to know, compete against and respect for many, many years.

They don’t make them like John any more — a Cory man through and through. He will be greatly missed by the whole of the banding movement."

Funeral details

Funeral arrangements are currently being finalised and will be announced as soon as they become available.