Blaenavon Town Band has announced the continuation of a long family connection with the signing of bass trombone player Ethan Corcoran.

Ethan is the latest member of the Protherough family to play in the band — a time-line stretching back to 1940 when his great-grandfather Ron Protherough joined the ranks.

Fourth generation

Ethan is now the fourth generation of his family to don the Blaenavon stage uniform, with the Protherough family providing over 150 years of joint service to the organisation.

His grandfather, Gareth joined in 1953 at the age of 13 and played for 50 years, whilst another grandparent John Corcoran has been a member of the band for the past 13 years. To add to the list of achievement, his mother Joanne has played for 35 years.

Through the ranks

Ethan started playing at the age of 3 and has developed through Blaenavon Junior Band and the Gwent Youth ensembles. He has now joined his mother and grandfather in time to make his debut at the forthcoming Welsh League contest in Fishguard.

We are thrilled to welcome Ethan. He comes from a proud family of committed players and we are sure he will carry on the traditionBlaenavon spokesperson

Family

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are thrilled to welcome Ethan. He comes from a proud family of committed players and we are sure he will carry on the tradition. We consider ourselves as one big family, and the fact that many of us are related adds to the bond.

Ethan has progressed through our junior band, and seeing our youngsters come through into key seats gives everyone in the organisation a huge sense of pride."