*
banner

Welsh conducting award for Ritter

After leading Ebbw Valley to domestic and national success, Gareth Ritter becomes Welsh Conductor of the Year for a second time.

Gareth Ritter
 

After leading Ebbw Valley Brass to the 2014 Third Section National Championship of Great Britain title, as well as securing the Welsh League Championship in Merthyr Tydfil on the weekend, Gareth Ritter has been presented with the prestigious Eric James Memorial Trophy as ‘Welsh Conductor of the Year’.

Grass roots

Presented since 1990 in memory of one of the most popular and respected Welsh conductors, it is the second time the MD has won the award, which reflects the hard work, commitment and success of conductors working at ‘grass roots’ level in Welsh banding.

Wonderful work

Speaking on behalf of the award committee, Eric’s son Alyn told 4BR: “During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award.

This year, in choosing Gareth, we show our appreciation of his wonderful work in guiding Ebbw Valley to a second successive National title. We feel it is only a matter of time before he completes the set with a win at the Second Section and First Section Finals!

We also recognize Gareth’s infectious enthusiasm and total commitment in “spreading the word” to youngsters across Wales.”

Memorable

Gareth told 4BR: “It is a real honour to receive this award once — but twice makes it truly memorable.

Welsh banding is full of outstanding conductors working hard and inspiring young players in particular in the North, South, East and West of Wales, so to gain recognition in this way once again at a time when others do such fantastic work, is humbling.”

This year, in choosing Gareth, we show our appreciation of his wonderful work in guiding Ebbw Valley to a second successive National titleAlyn James

Award Recipients:

1992: E.J. CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute/Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS — Beaumaris
2009: GARETH RITTER — City of Cardiff (Melingriffth)Band
2010: GARY DAVIES — Tylorstown
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS — City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2
2012: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass
2013: GARY DAVIES -Tylorstown
2014: GARETH RITTER — Ebbw Valley

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    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd