Ebbw Valley Brass has announced a number of new signings and returnees as they look ahead to their appearance at the Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea at the end of the month.

Signings

These include cornet players Nicholas Brill, a former Cory, Llwydcoed and current International Staff Band member, Peter Thomas, who has played for Blaina and Abertillery, and Graham Brill whose experience includes spells at Llwydcoed and Treherbert. The contest also sees the return of the vastly experience bass trombone player Julian Kerrell.

The band will be looking to maintain an excellent Welsh Area record — once that since the band started to compete in 2012 has seen them win titles at Fourth, Third, Second and First Section level.

They will now be hoping to push to gain the extra qualification place on offer for the Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall in October under the direction of guest conductor Nigel Seaman.

I'm delighted we have been able to fill the vacancies with these players. It has meant we have started back with confidence after our short break on a real positive noteGareth Ritter

Positive note

MD Gareth Ritter told 4BR: "I'm delighted we have been able to fill the vacancies with these players. It has meant we have started back with confidence after our short break on a real positive note.

It's great to work with Nigel, whose knowledge and experience brings such a lot to the band."