Tredegar Band has welcomed the signing of two new players as they prepare for their forthcoming CD recording of 'Dark Arteries' by composer Gavin Higgins.

The band recently completed their ground breaking collaboration with the Rambert Ballet at Sadler's Wells in London, and MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR that he is delighted to offer positions to percussionist Heledd Gwynant and cornet player Emily Humphries at a time when they are enjoying such high profile media coverage.

Immense potential

"It is an exciting time for the band to say the least,"he said. "Heledd and Emily are two very talented players who we feel have immense potential and great futures ahead of them.

I'm looking forward to them enjoying the 'Dark Arteries' CD recording in June and playing important roles as we head to the major contest later in the year. All that and they have a live television appearance to look forward to this weekend as part of the Urdd Eisteddod."

Footsteps

16 year old Heledd follows in the musical footsteps of her parents who played with Tredegar in the past, and told 4BR: "It's a great opportunity for me. I've enjoyed a wonderful time with City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) and have so much to thank them for. They have been very supportive of me taking this next step in my playing development."

19 year old Emily added: "Having played principal cornet with Lewis Merthyr and now studying at the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff the chance to come and play for Tredegar was too good an opportunity to miss."

Heledd and Emily are two very talented players who we feel have immense potential and great futures ahead of themMD Ian Porthouse

Pritchard departure

However, Ian also revealed that the band is also sad to say goodbye to star percussionist Gavin Pritchard, who leaves with his young family to take up an exciting musical career move in Florida this week.

"Gavin has been an amazing performer with us in the past few years — bringing an extra dimension to our contest and concert appearances. We are really sad to see him go, but we hope he will still be able to make the occasional trip back over the Atlantic Ocean to be a welcome visitor to the bandroom."