News - Tylorstown Band

Tylorstown Band would like to welcome our latest signing.  Cari Jones who is currently studying in her first year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama joins on Euphonium.  Cari has come through the youth programme in Rhondda Fach starting at the early age of 5 and has become an accomplished Euphonium player.  

Cari said ‘I am very much looking forward to making my debut with Tylorstown in Championship Section for the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championships’

Gary Davies, Musical Director added ‘we are very much looking forward to competing at the Welsh Open and Cari along with the other changes strengthens the band for the year ahead’

2021

Tylorstown Band are looking forward to competing in First Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain and would like to welcome our latest signings to the band.

Tim Hughes on Soprano Cornet, Claire Westacott on Cornet and Karen Fletcher on Horn, all bring a wealth of experience to the band having played for some of the top bands in the UK.

Kevin Jones, Band Manager, commented “these new signings will strengthen our band significantly for the National Finals and going on to compete in Championship Section next year, Welcome All!”

We're Back

2019

February 24th

Tylorstown Band welcome Tia Weston and Bryony White to complete our cornet section ahead of the 2019 Welsh Regional Championships which will be held at the William Aston Hall (Glyndwr University, Wrexham).  Tia joins us on 3rd Cornet form the Vale of Glamorgan Band where she played Flugel and Bryony joins us on 2nd Cornet from Upper Rhondda Band where she held the Principal Cornet Seat.

We are also pleased to Welcome Geraint and Alison Thomas to the band to complete our percussion section.  They join us from Usk Band and made their debut at the Welsh Open Brass Band Competiton in Porthcawl Last weekend.

The Band are very much looking forward to making the trip to Wrexham in March to perform in the First Section of the Championships

2018

November 2nd

Tylorstown Band welcome a trio of new signings in the lead up to the finale of the Welsh League.  On Trombone we are thrilled to gain 2 new members who between then bring both youth and experience. On 2nd trombone, Gary Eveson has returned to playing after a short break and comes with a wealth of experience playing with Parc and Dare and Tongwynlais Bands previously and Cerwyn West joins on Solo Trombone from Ynyshir Band where he played solo trombone and is looking forward to joining Gary and his Father Andrew in the New Look trombone section.  

We also welcome back Iestyn Davies into the cornet section – he too is returning after a short break from playing and brings plenty of invaluable experience to the band.  

The band would also like to thank Steve Jennings who has moved onto the 2nd Baritone seat completing our line-up for the November Competition.

Musical Director Gary Davies adds ‘There are exciting times ahead and are thrilled to welcome new players to the band since becoming Eisteddfod Champions during the Summer, the first time in the bands history to win the Championship section.  Our new signings will take the band from strength to strength going into the New Year!’

June 6th

Time to say goodbye....

Karen Fletcher who joined Tylorstown on Solo horn in 2012 has decided that it is time for a new challenge and will be moving on to pastures new in time for the remainder of the 2018 contesting season. Karen has been a valued member of Tylorstown Band winning the 2013 Welsh and National championships and progressing to Championship section.

Band Manager Kevin Jones explains ‘Karen has made a massive contribution to Our band and will be missed by us all, we wish her every success – But with every rainy day and Monday ..... comes a cloud with a silver lining... Myself and the band would like to welcome Keith Curtis who has returned to his roots in Ynyshir and will take on the Solo Horn Chair, Keith brings a wealth of experience as he has played for some of the best bands in Wales. Keith’s first outing with the band will be at the National Eisteddfod in August

Musical Director Gary Davies commented ‘I am looking forward to working with Keith as the New Horn Soloist and wish Karen all the very best with her time at Cory’

2016

Tylorstown finish devastating year on Top

Following a year of mixed emotions, Tylorstown Band are delighted to have finished the year as Champion Band of Wales 2016.  A title the band will share with Llwydcoed Band.

It was their winning performance of Paganini Variations in Merthyr on 26th November that saw the band not only secure the top joint league placing but also Best Bass Section and Best Instrumentalist for our Principle Euphonium Player Angela Westacott.

2016 has been an extremely emotional time for the band having lost committed bandsman and good friend Terry Hill who lost his life in June of this year when he was involved in a car accident on his way home from rehearsal.

Gary described the performance as…… “ a fantastic achievement for all connected with the band.  2016 has been a horrific year having lost Terry.  We needed to put in a performance that would make Terry proud and we did just that!  Every piece / contest has great memories of our friendship and the dedication that Terry had towards banding – Paganini was no exception to that.  My appreciation goes to all my players who overcome a day of difficult emotions, and who dedicated their performance to someone who will never be replaced…”

Whilst it will continue to be difficult, the band have secured the services of Neil Blockley on cornet, and Barry John on Bass Trombone to the ranks for 2017.  Both players bring a wealth of experience to the band, which was on display as part of the winning performance in November.

Finally, as with most Brass Bands the Christmas period is an extremely busy one, with many community concerts and the chance to share the Christmas spirit with the traditional carols.  Once again early December saw their own band hall transformed into a winter wonderland for the local community as the band held their annual Christmas Fayre in Tylorstown which included a visit from the Big Man himself, Santa.  This event is made possible every year by the generosity of several well established businesses in the South Wales area, whose continued financial support for this event is invaluable.  The band would like to formally thank all sponsors for their support and have a link on their website to the individual business

http://www.tylorstownband.org.uk/links/links.html

July 2016

The funeral details for Tylorstown Band’s Terry Hill have been announced.

It will take place at 1.15pm on Thursday 14th July 2016 at Coychurch Crematorium, Bridgend. Tylorstown Band will be playing before the service, where any band persons wishing to play are welcome, please contact the band for more information.

It has been requested that flowers are to be from family only. If friends so wish they can make memorial donations to:

Wayne Hill, 28 Frederick Street, Ferndale,

Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF43 4HR

wayne.hill@talktalk.net

Beneficiaries of which being organisations associated with and close to Terry’s heart.

Refreshments after the service will be at the Heronston Hotel, Ewenny Road, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, CF35 5AW

It is with great sadness that we have to inform our friends and supporters of the tragic passing of cornet player Terry Hill, who was in involved in a car accident on Thursday 16th June. Terry has been an integral part of the bands success over the years, assisting the band win its 2 National titles, His dedication and enthusiasm always evident and infectious, as Flugel soloist or wherever needed on the cornet bench.

He will be greatly missed not only for his great playing but also as a much loved friend to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, but especially to Jo, Katie and Iwan.

Band will never be the same without you! Taken far too soon, Shine brightly Happy Chappy! Always in our thoughts x

Well it’s been a busy start to 2016 starting in January with Band Cymru recording, getting through to the Semi Finals, the Welsh Open - Porthcawl in February, The Welsh Regional Competition at the Brangwyn Hall in March, The Semi Finals of Band Cymru - Aberystwyth in April and more recently May saw us compete in the first of the Welsh League Competitions in Merthyr and The Spring Festival in Blackpool.  It's been a mixed bag of results but we are happy with the progress the band is making.

We are over the moon at the achievements of Rhondda Fach Youth Band who began competing in May 2015, they have won 4 consecutive Gold awards in the welsh league competitions, an amazing start for this new venture supported by Tylorstown and Ynyshir Bands.

December 2015

Following the bands recent appearance at the SEWWBA in Merthyr, the band are pleased to announce the return of Gary Davies as their Musical Director. The band are excited about working with Gary once again, and are looking forward to the year ahead.

12/06/2015

Tylorstown band announce that their Musical Director for the past 10 years Gary Davies has stepped down from his position following their concert on 6th June 2015.  Gary first conducted the band in 2005, and since then the band has had the most successful period in the bands history having won to name a few,

2 national Eisteddfod Championships;

2 Welsh Regional Championships;

2 National Championships of Great Britain

The band also held the title of Champion Band of Wales, and participated at some of the biggest competitions in the county – the Spring Festival and The All England International Masters and not forgetting the Final of S4Cs Televised Band Cymru competition and many other podium finishes.

Band Manager Kevin Jones stated “……..The committee would like to express their thanks for the hard work and commitment Gary has shown over the last 10 years that has given the band unprecedented success in particular our two National titles in the second section in 2010 and first section in 2013.….”

Commenting on the decision Gary added “….when I came to the band in 2005, the band was outside the top 200 in the rankings, and in the 2nd section Nationally.  In 10 years both the band and I have made significant progress and have many great memories and fantastic achievements.  I wish the band all the success in going forward and hope they build on the foundations established…”

30/11/2014

Both Tylorstown and Ynyshir are extremely excited about new joint venture

Young people from across the Rhondda Fach valley and beyond will now have the chance to learn to play and compete in a brass band thanks to a new joint initiative from the combined forces of the Tylorstown and Ynyshir brass bands.

The new venture, the latest in a series of developments promoting childrens’ and young peoples’ bands in Wales, the Rhondda Fach Youth Band was launched in November and held its first rehearsal in the Ynyshir bandroom.

Both Tylorstown and Ynyshir are extremely excited about the new joint venture, that enables the Junior sections of both bands, together with the young players from the senior bands and other players from the local community to compete as a youth band.

Derek Andrews of the Ynyshir Band, and Rhondda Fach Youth Band’s main conductor, commented after the group’s first rehearsal saying, “Playing in a musical group is an experience all young people should be able to enjoy and we’d welcome young players looking to learn as well as more experienced youngsters looking to gain experience of playing in local contests and concerts.”

Angela Westacaott of the Tylorstown Band added, “Brass banding is a unique way to take part in a range of activities and to learn how to work together as a team but it also offers players the chance to develop their own talents and abilities at the same time.”

The Rhondda Fach Youth Band will take part in their first engagement on Thursday evening the 11th December in St John's Church, Cymmer, Porth.

Players and anyone interested in following the progress of the new youth band can find out more on the band’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/RhonddaBachYouthBand.  Tylorstown Junior Band rehearse on Friday evenings at 5pm and the Ynyshir Junior Band rehearse on Monday and Friday evenings at 6pm. The next Rehearsal of the Youth Band will be on Monday 8th December at 6pm at Ynyshir Band Room.  For more information  please contact Angela Westacott 07887954890 or Derek Andrews 07989113694

18/01/2014

Tylorstown Band Championship Section for 2014

After a successful 2013 which saw the band gain Championship section Status on becoming Welsh Champions and National Champions of Great Britain in 1st Section, the Band are looking forward to a year of top level competition.  Something the Band and their MD Mr Gary Davies have strived for over the last few years.

The Band would like to Welcome Lianne Davies into the ranks as Flugel Horn Soloist.  Lianne takes over from Jane Pryse who is having time away from Banding due to family commitments

29/09/2013

Tylorstown Band – 1st Section Champions - National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

On September 22nd 2013 at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain held in Cheltenham, Tylorstown Played Band number 15 in the final competition of the weekend, where 2 out of 3 of the sections had already been won by Welsh Bands, Goodwick and Ebbw Valley! Playing Gavin Higgins Fanfare & Love Songs, the band took the stage for the penultimate performance of the day. The link below tells the rest of the story.....

Results: Sunday 22nd September

Test Piece: 'Fanfares and Love Songs' - Gavin Hggins

Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs & Paul Holland

1. Tylorstown (Gary Davies), 15

2. Staffordshire (Leigh Baker), 2

3. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson), 9

4. Foresters Brass 2000 (Peter Collins), 16

5. Drighlington (Jim Davies), 12

6. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren), 3

7. Newtongrange Silver (Lee Skipsey), 7

8. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe), 8

9. Alder Valley Brass (Roger Burke), 13

10. Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell), 14

11. Freckleton (Paul Dalton), 6

12. Penclawdd Brass (Tony Small), 10

13. Hebden Bridge (Alan Hobbins), 5

14. Johnstone (Paul Kiernan), 4

15. Morecambe (Andrew Warriner), 11

16. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield), 1

Withdrawn: Catterick Brass

Best Instrumentalist: Andy Jennings (Soprano) - Staffordshire

Tylorstown Band – 1st Section Welsh Champions

After a successful start to 2013 at the Welsh Open, the Band got straight back to work in preparation for the Welsh Regional Championships.   The bands performance of Gareth Wood’s Brass Triumphant caught the ear of the Adjudicator, Kevin Wadsworth who placed the band 1st also giving the Best Instrumentalist Prize to our Solo Horn player, Karen Fletcher.

The band have received confirmation that their win in Swansea has left the band topping the 1st Section national grading league in Wales and has gained promotion to Championship Section for 2014.

The band is competing next at the Spring Festival to be held in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the 11th May.  This is only the second time that the band has competed at the Spring Festival – and will appear in the Senior Cup after finishing 3rd in the Senior Trophy last year on their debut performance.

The band are pleased to be able to Welcome friends old and new, Gavin Johnson on Principle BBb Bass, Steve Jennings on 2nd Trombone, Eirwen Jones has joined the Percussion Section, Barry Scott on Bass Trombone and Iestyn Davies as Assistant Principle Cornet all have joined (or re-joined) the band during the last 12 months.

You can hear some of the bands performances by clicking on the link below.

http://www.reverbnation.com/tylorstownband

Tylorstown Junior band are delighted to have linked up with the Cory Academy.  This is an initiative to try and bring more youth into the Brass Band Movement.  Tylorstown and other local bands will be supported by Cory Academy tutors at their Junior Band sessions.

Tylorstown Junior Band gets together on Friday Evenings from 5pm.  For more information please see the link below or you can Contact Us

http://www.coryacademy.co.uk/

        

01/03/2013

Tylorstown Band - Update

2012 was a successful year for the Band – We finished 2nd in Ebbw Vale In May, followed by the band’s debut appearance in the Spring Festival, Blackpool, an invitation only 3 tier competition.  The band gained 3rd place in the Senior Trophy, and promotion to the 2nd Tier Senior Cup Competition for 2013.  The band continued with it’s good form gaining 2nd place in Fishguard in October.  2013 has started well with gaining 3rd place at the recent Welsh Open Entertainments Competition in Porthcawl.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Full Results are listed below.

The band are currently preparing to take part in the Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea on 16th March.  We will be competing in 1stSection playing Gareth Woods Brass Triumphant.

Report & Result: 2013 Welsh Open Entertainment Championship

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Adjudicator: Chris Davis OBE

1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)                                            - 198

2. Tongwynlais Temperance (Richard Evans)             - 197

3. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)                                             - 195

4. Burry Port (Nigel Seaman)                                           - 194

5. Staines Brass (Melvin White)                                      - 193

6. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 1 (Gareth Ritter)           - 192

7. BTM (David Maplestone)                                              - 190

8. Markham & District (Gareth Pritchard)                       - 188

9. Llwydcoed (Nigel Seaman)                                         - 187

10. Lewis Merthyr (Gareth Pritchard)                              - 186

11. Abergavenny Borough (Craig Roberts)                  - 185

12. City of Cardiff (Melingriffth) 2 (Dewi Griffiths)        - 184

28/04/2012

Welcome to :-

Tylorstown Band is off to Ebbw Vale later today !!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Iestyn Davies to the Band on Flugel Horn.  We would also like to wish Jane Pryse (currently on Maternity Leave !! ) all the very best for the future arrival !

21/01/2012

Welcome to :-

Tylorstown Band would like to welcome some new and old friends into the band for the 2012 season -

      Len Dennett, Hayley Johnson, Malcolm Reed and Nigel Jones

The band are looking forward to a busy contest and concert schedule for 2012 starting with the Welsh Open on 18th February in Porthcawl.  Band Manager Kevin Jones commented "The new signings will strengthen what was already a successful competing outfit in 2011"

14/01/2012

News Update

Tylorstown Band - Champion Band of Wales 2011

2011 has been an enjoyable year for the Band on it's first year in 1st Section National Grading ! The band has gained 3rd prize in every competition entered with the exception of the Welsh Open where we were awarded the title of 'Most Entertaining Band'.  The consistency the band has shown throughout 2011 led them to achieve the sought after title of Champion Band of Wales.  It's entertaining nature was also recognised in Wychavon Festival of Brass where the Band not only finished 3rd but also achieved 'Most Entertaining Performance' status!  The band would like to thank all players that have contributed to the bands most successful period in it's history with thanks also being extended to our hard working MD Mr Gary Davies.

In December the band lost one of it's most loyal members Mr John Twohey, who passed away suddenly.  John played EEb Bass with the Band for many years and was a playing member of the band who won the National Championships of Great Britain in 2010.  John will be sadly missed by all his friends in the banding world.   

17/03/2011

News Update

Tylorstown Band regretfully have to announce the retirement of two of its long standing members - Eirwen Jones and William Taylor.  Unfortunately Eirwen and Bill have not been feeling 100% of late and have decided to retire from playing until they are back to full fitness.  The band would like to take this opportunity to wish them both a speedy recovery.

We would also like to give  a belated welcome to Karen Fletcher who joined the band in October last year on Solo Horn,  as well as welcoming Natalie Gibson back to the band to help out on 1st Horn for the Regionals in Swansea this weekend and Paul James who joins the band on Cornet.

23/02/2011

Welsh Open at Porthcawl - Best Stage Presentation Cup

Tylorstown Band competed in the Welsh Open (also know as the South Wales Miners Eisteddfod) for the first time for five years, thanks to the promotion to the national First section we achieved last year. The eleven bands competing gave their all in their 20 minute programmes, entertaining the audience all day. Winning the Best Stage Presentation Cup was an excellent return to first section competition.

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=12967     4barsrest has the full results listings.

We are looking forward to watching Pencampwriaeth Bandiau Pres Cymru: Digwyddiadau next Saturday 19:25 on S4C, subtitles and all, to see some of the performances we didn't see.         http://www.s4c.co.uk/cerddoriaeth/e_pencampwriaeth.shtml

http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2011/1213b.asp     4barsrest photographs

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Welsh-Open-Entertainment-Contest/153683124690147      Facebook page created to capture a record of the day.

16/01/2011

NEW YEAR NEW SECTION

Tylorstown Band looks back on 2010 with pride as it’s most successful year in the bands history.  The run of form started at the Regional competition in the Brangwyn Hall Swansea in March - after drawing last, the band put in an impressive performance of Philip Harpers Kingdom of Dragons to gain the Welsh Champions title, a place at the Second Section National finals and promotion to First Section for 2011.

The band continued to build through the year gaining a 3rd prize at the welsh regional competition in Ebbw Vale in Championship section and 2nd Prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in August.  It was in September that the band made history – Becoming ‘National Champion Band of Great Britain’ for the first time.  Off a number 4 draw the band pulled out all the stops to secure the win impressing both adjudicators with the performance of Philip Wilby’s Psalms and Alleluias.

A 3rd prize at the Welsh regional competition in Blaenavon rounded off the year nicely with the band also gaining joint Runners up in the Welsh Championship Section League for 2010.  At the same competition, MD Gary Davies was also rewarded for his efforts and was presented with the prestigious Eric James Memorial Trophy as Welsh Conductor of the Year.

The band would like to thank all of its members for their hard work this year, it’s friends and supporters and local community for their on going support and kind words of congratulations on news of their Finals win and in particular the band would like to give a big thanks to Musical Director Gary Davies for his outstanding contribution to the successful year

20/09/2010

September Update

Tylorstown Band,  2nd Section Welsh Champions, are in the final week of preparations to compete at the National Finals to be held in Harrogate this weekend.

The band have had a successful few months finishing 3rd at the Welsh League Championship Section Competition, Ebbw Vale in May and 2nd at the National Eisteddfod in August.  The band, who are currently 110 in the world rankings would like to build on their recent successes and move into the top 100 ahead of their return to 1st Section Nationally for 2011.

22/03/2010

Regionals 2010

Tylorstown Band are 2nd Section Welsh Champions !

The Welsh Regional Competitions were held in the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea this weekend, where Tylorstown gained 1st Prize from a field of 12, playing Philip Harpers 'Kingdom of Dragons'.

To add to the celebrations we also finished top in the league gaining promotion to 1st section for 2011.

The band would like to thank MD Gary Davies for all his hard work during the past few weeks.

11/01/2010

News Update

Tylorstown Band is starting 2010 with a few new signings on the lead up to the Butlins Championship in Skegness at the end of January.  We are please to welcome Ruth Barnett and Chris Lowe on percussion, Phil and Wayne Loveday on Bass and 2nd Trombone and Tony Yelland on Eb Bass all experienced players that will strengthen the band for the new Year.

2009 saw the band finish 4th at the Welsh Regional Competition, 2nd in the Wychavon Festival of Brass, 6th in the Pontins Championships in 2nd Section and 3rd at the Welsh League Competition, Burry Port in Championship Section as well as many successful concerts added to our busy contesting schedule.

2010 schedule is shaping up nicely, starting with Butlins in January then looking forward to the all important Welsh Regional Contest in March - We have the Welsh League competitions in May, October and November and The Welsh National Eisteddfod Competition in August confirmed so far, with other competition and concert dates being added soon.

25/02/2009

News Update

2008 proved to be another successful year for the Band - Finishing 3rd in the Welsh League in Championship Section, Qualifying for and finishing 5th at the National Finals, Becoming National Eisteddfod Champions and Finishing 4th at the Pontins National Finals in 2nd Section.

The Band also celebrated 2 marriages in 2008 and would like to pass on their congratulations to  Neil and Carolyn Blockley and Alun and Elizabeth Richards.

The band was due to kick off the contesting year at the GBBA Entertainments Competition in February but unfortunately the competition was cancelled due to the band weather.  The 1st Contest will now be The Welsh Regional Competition to be held at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on Saturday 14th March.