Tredegar's National Championship title challenge has been boosted by the signing of Jordan Ashman, the recently crowned BBC Young Musician 2002 award winner.

Extraordinary

The 18-year-old percussionist (right) was seen by millions across the world claiming the accolade after producing an "extraordinary"performance of the immense Jennifer Higdon 'Percussion Concerto' accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra under Mark Wigglesworth.

Presenter Alexis Ffrench said it was "…absolutely extraordinary. That sense of danger he conjured up — he was playing literally at the extremities of the instruments."

Rehearsal

And despite being inundated with media requests since his victory was announced on Sunday night, he has already been busy at work with the rest of the Tredegar percussion team — including an extra sectional rehearsal.

He is a remarkable talent and a fantastic young man who has fitted in straight awayMD, Ian Porthouse

Remarkable talent

Speaking about his arrival, MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "Jordan is a player every band in the world would love to have in their ranks, so we are very fortunate that his studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire means that he can link up with us for the National Finals.

He didn't say a thing to anyone about his victory, so you can imagine what the atmosphere was in the bandroom when we found out.

He is a remarkable talent and a fantastic young man who has fitted in straight away."