Tongwynlais Temperance has announced that former Black Dyke trombonist Brett Baker will lead the band on their third consecutive appearance at the National Finals in London in October.

Perfect

"We all enjoyed the opportunity of working with Brett after he conducted the band at the Pershore Festival," Band Chairman Gareth Hann told 4BR.

"With him stepping back from his playing commitments to focus on his conducting, the timing was perfect for us as we looked to appoint a conductor to lead us to the National Finals.

Brett has a wealth of banding experience and we’re really looking forward to getting stuck into ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ when we return from our summer break."

High profile

Gareth added: "Our Albert Hall appearance is another fantastic high profile opportunity for Tongwynlais to represent Wales at yet another major banding contest, and we are all excited to have Brett on board."

With him stepping back from his playing commitments to focus on his conducting, the timing was perfect for us as we looked to appoint a conductor to lead us to the National FinalsTongwynlais Temperance

Excited

Meanwhile, Brett added: "I’m very excited about working with Tongwynlais. I have enjoyed spending time with them so far, and am looking forward to this being a new chapter for myself and for the band."