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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. 

 

04/08/2008

Eisteddfod Champions

Tylorstown Band Gained 1st Prize at the National Eisteddfod on Saturday - Continuing on from recent successes on the run up to the Finals to be held During September in Harrogate.

 

22/03/2008

Update June 2008

Following their 3rd Place in the Championship section at the SEWBBA contest held at Tredegar last month, Tylorstown Band are pleased to announce that Mrs Claire Barnsley has joined the band on Solo Cornet.

Claire will bring a vast wealth of experience having played at numerous British Opens and National Finals.  Claire signs from Tredegar having helped out on back row during their recent win at the Welsh Area Swansea.

Band Manager Kevin Jones expressed that “the band has progressed beyond all expectations over the past 12 months and, as a result are continuing to secure the services of top quality players such as Claire, whose experience is invaluable”.

 

22/03/2008

Update April 2008

Having qualified to represent Wales in September this year at the National Finals in Harrogate, the band are extremely pleased to announce several quality signings ahead of the remainder of this years busy contesting schedule.

The band welcomes Nick Garrett to the trombone section.  Nick was a member of the band that qualified for Harrogate at the recent area contest, where he played 2nd trombone.  However, more recently, Nick has moved onto Bass Trombone, having replaced Jeff Clarke.  Jeff was a member of the Tylorstown Band for many years, but has decided to hang his trombone up to pursue other interests.  The band would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeff for his massive contribution and dedication during his time with the band.

Husband and wife Andrew and Jane Pryse join on 2nd trombone and Solo cornet respectively, both players have many years of top section experience having played in the championship section with Treherbert and more recently Mid Rhondda band.  The percussion section is also now complete, as the band benefit from the talent and vast experience of ex-Cory Timpanist Clayton McCann. Clayton again joins from Mid Rhondda.

The band would also like to pass on their best wishes to husband and wife team Alan and Janice Bryant who are taking a break from the contesting scene to enjoy the more relaxing side of banding!

MD Gary Davies commented ”…the band have gone from strength to strength over the past 18 months.  The additional signing of these quality players shows further intent as to where the band sees their future…”

22/03/2008

Regionals 2008

Tylorstown Band have recently competed in the Regional Competition in the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea and came 2nd, earning an invitation to attend the national finals to be held in Harrogate later this year.  The band are looking forward to representing South Wales at the Finals in September.  We have a busy spring / summer ahead with concerts and fundraising activities - Keep and eye on the Guestbook and Diary pages for updates!

21/03/2008

Part Sponsorship

As of the 16th March 2008 the part sponsorship of Tylorstown Band by Arriva Trains Wales has come to an end.  The band and Committee would like to thank Arriva Trains Wales and Valley Lines for their past support.  Any Individual or Company who would like to take up this part, or full sponsorship please get in touch, contact details can be found on the contact page of this Website.

W H Taylor

Chairman - Tylorstown Band

11/02/2008

News Update

          

After another successful year for the Rhondda based band which included 2nd Place in this year’s Pontin’s Championships (2nd Section) and runners up in the Championship Section of the Welsh League for the second year in a row, due to work commitments / moving away from the area the band are pleased to announce several new signings for 2008.

 

Firstly, the band welcome Philip Wicks and Mark (Stan) Richards formally of Cory band but more recently of Ynyshir and Cwmaman onto 2nd Baritone / B flat Bass respectively.  The band also welcome back home Steve Haycox on percussion.  Steve started his playing with the band a number of years ago and returns after spending sometime at both Cwmaman and more recently Rogerstone.

 

Finally the band welcome the Musical Director’s wife – Karen Davies onto back row.  Karen is returning to playing after having their 3rd child (Hannah Grace) in October of this year.

 

The band would also like to thank the players who have moved internally during the latter stages of 2007, namely Andrea Brooks, Terry Hill and Becky James, not forgetting Carolyn Evans who signed on horn in October.

 

Speaking on behalf of the band, Band manager Kevin Jones said;

 

“… with the changes that have occurred during October and November and the recent signings, the band are looking forward to competing in 2008 and onward…”

08/07/2007

New Guest book Opened

Please feel free to add your comments !  We look forward to hearing from you.

 

01/07/2007

July 2007 Update

Tylorstown Band have kept themselves busy during the last few months competing at Swansea, Ebbw Wale and Weston Super Mare.  The Band have recovered well after a disappointing result in Swansea picking themselves up to compete in Championship Section in Ebbw Vale coming 5th playing Un Vie De Matelot and then playing the same piece in Weston the following weekend and coming 2nd.

Tylorstown Band are busily preparing themselves for the next two Entertainments Competitions - The fist on 14th July in Tumble for Cancer Research the second The National Eisteddfod in Mold on August 4th.

 

28/02/2007

Coleford Success

Tylorstown Band came away from their first outing of 2007 with 3 more trophies.  2007 started in great style with the Band picking up prizes for Best 2nd Section Band, Winning Band Overall and Winning Conductor.

 

 

01/01/2007

We Finish 2006 as Championship Section Runners Up

Since the National Finals in September, where the band finished a disappointing 12th, Tylorstown Band have competed in the 2 two remaining Welsh league competitions, finishing joint 5th and 4th a promising set of results for the first year in the Section especially as the years points resulted in the band finishing as runners up for the Championship Section for 2006.

Tylorstown Band completed the year’s events with a sell out concert held at Tylorstown Sports Centre where the recent successes were celebrated with a display of silverware (see photo gallery).

17/09/2006

New Faces for National Finals

Tylorstown Band are pleased to welcome some new and some familiar faces in the lead up to the National finals to be held in Harrogate next weekend.  Terry Hill Joins on 3rd Cornet, Jack Bond on 2nd Trombone, Ian Evans on 2nd Euphonium and Claire Jennings on Percussion.  The band would also like to welcome back Lindsay Price who returns on BBb Bass.

 

21/08/2006

Continued Success

Tylorstown Band have continued in their good form to pick up more prizes in their recent competitions !

At the Weston-Super-Mare Own Choice Competition in May, playing Paganini Variations the Band picked up third prize with their Solo Euphonium Player, Angela Westacott picking up the Best Euphonium Award.

In July the Band attended an Entertainments Contest Held in Pontyberem to raise money for a Breast Cancer Charity.  The band continuing in it's recent form won the competition off a number 1 draw.

In August came the Eisteddfod held in Swansea!  A competition broadcast live on TV !!! The Band played number 1 again and won the competition, adjudicator Lloyd Landry was 'most impressed' by the bands playing on the day.

Well Done Gary and the Band for all your hard work this year so far...  It's not over yet ! The National Finals in Harrogate are just around the corner.  

10/05/2006

Good Start to 2006

Tylorstown Band have had a busy start to 2006 with 3 contests under their belts already !!

In January the band made the trip to Butlins in Skegness for the National Mineworkers Competition - competing in  2nd Section under National grading and came a respectable 7th.  In March we competed in the Regional Competition in the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea and came 2nd, earning an invitation to attend the national finals to be held in Harrogate later this year. 

Finally the band attended the first of three welsh league competitions last weekend in Ebbw Vale, after a successful 2005 the band gained promotion for 2006 into the championship section.  It has been some 40 years since Tylorstown Band have competed in this section.  On this occasion the band, playing Paganini Variations, came 4th !  A great achievement .   Well Done to Gary Davies the Band's Musical Director and the Band themselves.

09/10/2005

Welcome

Tylorstown Band are pleased to announce that Gary Davies has taken up the post as Tylorstown Bands Musical Director.  Gary's debut with the band in Burry Port last weekend saw the band gaining 3rd Place, leaving the band in a very good position in the league table leading up to the final contest of the year in treorchy.

Keep up the good work Gary.

09/10/2005

Thank You

Tylorstown Band would like to thank Kerry Bowden for all is hard work with the band during the last year 

 

We wish Kerry the very best for the future 

 

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