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Band News |
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Aug-2008 Youths at BTM gain awards with National Ensembles |
During the 2008 National Youth Brass Band of Wales course our 1st Baritone player,
Tim Jones, was awarded the “John Childs” Memorial Trophy for the "most promising
player”. Congratulations Tim!
Cornet player, Kirsty Davies, also played with the
NYBBW this year.
This award had previously been gained by BTM Band members Kate
James( Eb Bass ) and Alexandria James ( Flugel ) during their time with the NYBBW.
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Also gaining an award this summer has been Richard Cartlidge our young percussionist.
Richard has been awarded the “Stefan Stockton” award for the ”most promising percussionist”
with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Well Done Richard!
The future at BTM is looking bright with these young people coming through the ranks.
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Aug-2008 Conducting line up for the British Open and Nationals |
BTM are pleased to announce its conducting line up for the British Open and National
Finals.
Nigel Boddice will conduct the band at the Bands 1st appearance at The British Open
following the success of the partnership at the Grand Shield. BTM have acted swiftly
following the recent departure of Philip Harper from Polysteel in securing his services
to assist in the preparation for the Open.
Philip has also been engaged to conduct the band at the National Finals. This will
be his second appearance with the band at the Albert Hall (Eden 2005).
BTM are serious about attaining the highest possible standards and believe that
these appointments will enhance our standards and rankings further. We are looking
forward to the challenges that the next couple of months throw our way and have
secured what we believe are two outstanding conductors to prepare and enhance our
performance.
BTM would like to take the opportunity to thank Nigel Seaman and David Maplestone
for the recent work undertaken by both with the band over the last few months.
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25-May-2008 Cambridge Blues! |
The band were pleased with their performance at the All England International Masters
in Cambridge despite a disappointing result. The band received contrasting comments
from the three adjudicators. BTM were in good company though, with a number of highly
fancied bands finishing well down the field! Visit www.4barsrest.com for full details.
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10-May-2008 BTM Qualify for the British Open |
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For the first time in it's history, BTM have qualified for the British Open to be
held at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham on 13th September where they will compete
against the elite of British Banding. Qualification was achieved by gaining 2nd
place in the Grand Shield competition held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool this
weekend.
The Band were up against a very strong field of 20 bands which included 8 qualifiers
for the National Finals with only two qualification places up for grabs. The band
gave a very musical interpretation of Philip Wilbey's 'Vienna Nights' under the
direction of the experienced Nigel Boddice.
Congratulations to the soloists who were highly commended by adjudicators Dr Robert
Childs and Major Peter Parkes in their reports. |
The Band would also like to congratulate fellow qualifiers Leyland who took the
first prize and fellow Welsh band Tredegar who narrowly missed out on qualification
in third place.
A special thankyou to Nigel Boddice who has worked wonders with the band in a very
short space of time. We now look forward to the Masters in Cambridge in two week's
time and the opportunity to work with Nigel once again.
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April-2008 The Stork boosts the ranks at BTM ! |
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Congratulations to our principal trombonist Jonathan Pippen and his wife Alex on
the birth of their son Bradley Roy Pippen.
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Congratulations , also, to our 2nd Euphonium player, Andy Gourlay and his wife Len
on the birth of their son Sion Robert Gourlay.
The future of BTM is looking bright with the new arrivals. |
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09-Mar-2008 BTM Qualify for National Finals Again ! |
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BTM came 2nd at the Welsh Regional Competition held at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea
securing themselves a place at the National Finals to be held at the Albert Hall
in October. The band gave a musical perfomance of Eric Ball's 'Festival Music' under
the direction of MD Graham O'Conner which found favour with adjudicator Alan Morrison.
Well done to all the soloists who produced performances of the highest calibre,
in particular, Ian Roberts our Principal cornet.
The Band would also like to congratulate Tredegar (1st ) and Cory (3rd) who will
compete alongside BTM in the finals. |
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07-Mar-2008 MD for Blackpool and Cambridge |
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BTM are delighted to announce that they have secured the services of MD Nigel Boddice
who will lead them in their quest for success at the Grand Shield in Blackpool and
at the English International Masters in Cambridge in May. |
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02-Mar-2008 St David's Hall Concert |
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Once again the band performed at the St David's Festival Gala Concert in aid of
Cancer Research Wales in conjunction with the Bridgend Male Voice Choir, and Soloists
Shan Cothi and Craig Yates. The evening was a huge success with the band receiving
raptuous applause from a delighted audience. |
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Feb-2008 MD Graham O'Conner |
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Graham O'Conner will be taking the band to the Welsh Area this year.The Band would
like to thank Graham for all his hard work and hope that another great performance
is heard in Swansea. |
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Feb-2008 New Signings |
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BTM are pleased to announce the signings of Chris Gill on Bass Trombone and Carwyn
Evans on 2nd Baritone. Keith Hutcherson, our 'super sub', has come out of retirement
yet again to play at the Welsh Area Competition at the Brangwyn Hall, making sure
once again that BTM has a 'quality' bass team on stage! |
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16-Jan-2008 Jason's Last Supper! |
Last night Jason Katsikaris joined band members for farewell drinks and a meal before
flying off to Australia today and on to pastures new. Good fun was had by all. Band
manager Jeff Hutcherson thanked Jason for all the work he had done with the band
over the last two years.
Jason spoke of his fondness for the band and thanked all members for their support
and loyalty and for knowledge he'd gained from conducting the band. He wished us
all well for the future.
Jason willl be missed but has made friendships which will last a lifetime. Good
Luck Jason ! All of us at BTM wish you well and look forward to seeing you back
in Wales in the near future. |
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14-Jan-2008 Australian Travels North |
It is with sadness, but by mutual consent, that Jason Katsikaris, Musical Director
of BTM Band has decided to leave South Wales to take up the position of Musical
Director for the Leyland Band. Jason has conducted BTM Band since February 2006
and is leaving for personal and employment reasons.
Under his directorship, the BTM Band has had one of its most consistently successful
periods in recent years, having gained qualification to the Grand Shield in 2006,
narrowly missing out on qualification to the Open in 2007 and also gaining a credible
7th place at the National Finals in October of last year as well as winning the
title of Welsh League Champions 2007.
Jeff Hutcherson, Band Manager told 4barsrest ‘we would like to thank Jason for all
his hard work and commitment over the past couple of years and wish him well for
the future but not too well, especially when we meet Leyland head to head in the
Grand Shield!
Jason has told BTM that he is keen to keep in touch and is looking forward to his
return to Wales in April when the Band has a number of concerts and CD recordings.
For the immediate contesting season, BTM is pleased to announce that it has secured
the services of Graham O’Connor who will take the Band in the Yeovil and Porthcawl
Entertainment Contests as well as the Welsh Regional Contest in Swansea in March.
The Band is currently in negotiation with a number of other conductors to take the
Band forward from the Spring. This is indeed a sad loss for BTM Band who have been
one of the highest climbers in the 4barsrest World Rankings, currently standing
at No 22 at the time of going to press.
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18-Nov-2007 BTM Welsh League Champions 2007 ! |
BTM took 1st Prize at the SEWBBA contest held in Treorchy playing New Jerusalem
by Philip Wilby. This completed a hatrick of wins in the Welsh League contests,
earning them the Welsh League title for 2007. Nick Jones won the award for the best
trombone and Kate James, Michael Harrison, Tim Evans and Jude Myers won the Best
Bass Section award.
The Treorchy contest rounded off a successful year of competitions for BTM. The
effort and commitment put in by MD Jason Katsikaris and all members has been immense
this year and thanks and congratulations must go to all concerned.
BTM now enters the Christmas concert season. Please check our events page for further
details. |
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Nov-2007 Goodbyes |
The band will be losing the services of Bruce Myers and Jude Myers as they are both
heading home to Australia.
BTM cannot express enough thanks to them for their effort and commitment during
their time with the band and will miss their unique personalities! Firm friendships
have been formed which will last a lifetime.
A leaving party was held at the bandroom where Bruce and Jude were dressed in true
Aussie style!
Also leaving is our New Zealand Bass Trombone Champion, Steve Lomas. Steve lives
in Derby and has been travelling to band numerous times each week for rehearsals.
It is not only Steve's playing ability that will be missed but his presence around
the pool table with his unique sense of humour! The band would like to thank Steve
for his exceptional commitment to the band and wish him well in the future.
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04-Nov-2007 Pontins Contest |
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The Band produced an excellent performance of Phillip Sparke's Partita which was
recognised by many as one of the most musical performances of the day. Unfortunately
the performance did not find favour with the adjudicators who placed the band in
10th position. A result which caused much debate after the contest!
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20-Oct-2007 Grand Nationals for BTM ! |
BTM secured an amazing 7th position at the British National Brass Band Championships
held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
MD Jason Katsikaris, along with a number of players, was making his debut at the
championships and was watched closely by his mother Stella who flew over from Australia
for the event.
The day got off to an early start with the band sporting their new walking out uniforms
(pictured below).
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The bands performed the very difficult 'Music for Battle Creek’ by Philip Sparke.
Playing off a number 10 draw, BTM produced a quality performance. Congratulations
to all band members, especially the soloists, who all performed to the highest standard
and were commended by the three adjudicators in their reports.
MD Jason Katsikaris said, "The Band delivered a solid and mature performance. They
held their own with the very best bands in the world - I'm very proud of them."
It was a good day for Welsh Banding, with the Cory Band finishing 3rd and Tredegar
Town Band in 8th. |
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06-Oct-2007 BTM Take 1st Prize at Burry Port ! |
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BTM produced another consistent performance to take 1st Prize at the WWBBA Festival
Contest at Burry Port on Saturday. The Band were pleased with their performance
of Philip Sparke's Partita, the set test piece for Pontins this year.
In his summing up, Adjudicator Jim Davies said that he had been very impressed with
the high standard of playing, particularly in the Championship Section, and had
no doubt about the placing of the first three bands.
MD Jason Katsikaris (pictured left) joined in the celebrations after the contest.
The Band will now be switching their focus to the forthcomming National Finals in
two weeks time.
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22-Sep-2007 Annual Concert |
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The Band held its annual concert at the Bedwas Workmen's Hall this year. The Band
put on a good show with a number of soloists displaying their fine talents. MD Jason
Katsikaris held the audience's attention with his unique style of humour.
The Band received a standing ovation from the delighted audience, who were rewarded
with the BTM version of the Full Monty! - a sight not to be missed.
Thanks to all who attended the concert and we hope to see you all in the near future
at upcoming contests and concerts. Your support is needed and very much appreciated
by the Band. See the Events page for more details. |
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Sep - 2007 Brass in Bedwas !! |
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The BTM Brass Band was invited to entertain the pupils and staff at Bedwas Junior
School last week.
A group of University students from the band played well known tunes such as “Amarillo”,
“Hey Baby” and “New York, New York” to a delighted and packed school hall.
The initiative was part of a drive to encourage youngsters to take up the art of
brass and percussion playing, and to join the BTM “B” Band which rehearses on Monday
evening at the band-room in Bedwas.
For further information see the
'B' Band
page on this website. |
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Sep - 2007 New Signings at BTM |
The Band are pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Roberts as their new principal
cornet.
The band has also announced two further new signings ahead of the National Finals.
Jo Hirst joins on trombone from Polysteel. Jo is the principal trombone of the National
Youth Brass Band of Wales and is studying music at the Royal Welsh College of Music
and Drama. Meanwhile Aled Clement joins on horn. Aled hails from Burry Port Town
Band and is currently reading dentistry at Cardiff University.
Speaking of the new signings, Musical Director Jason Katsikaris said, "Ian, Jo and
Aled form part of the new breed of quality players that now swell the ranks at BTM.
To have players of this calibre joining us in London will undoubtedly boost our
confidence. I am very excited about the band’s future prospects." |
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07-Sep-2007 Race Night |
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Many thanks to all who attended and supported this event. Great fun was had by all.
Congratulations must go to Trevor Isaac who seemed to buy the most horses and win
the most money!
The Band would like to thank Alex James for organising this event in aid of band
funds and all those who generously donated prizes for the evening. |
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25-Aug-2007 The Stork arrives at BTM |
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Congratulations to the band's principal cornet, Jeff Hutcherson, and his wife Amanda
on the birth of their third son Lewys Jon Freddie Hutcherson who was born on the
25th August weighing 8 lb 1 oz. The proud father said, "He has dark hair and
blue eyes just like his dad!". |
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Brass in Pocket for BTM as PHS Sponsors Band |
The BTM Brass Band (Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen) has signed a lucrative sponsorship
deal with UK workplace service provider the PHS Group plc, which is headquartered
in Caerphilly.
Rich in energy and talented musicianship (one of the top brass bands in the UK,
it regularly appears in competitions and performs at concerts) the BTM Brass Band
is not always so flush with funding. The PHS deal will help pay for the Band’s regular
competition entries and concert appearances across the UK, and will also allow them
to perform at critical "grass roots" concerts, which have previously been denied
them owing to lack of finance.
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Jeff Hutcherson, Chairman of the BTM Band Society said, "PHS has been very generous
in sponsoring the band. It means we can do more performances, to a wider variety
of people, in a range of locations. And it’s great that we can now develop the band
further, and continue with our tuition programme, which helps develop the natural
abilities of instrumentalists both young and old!" Stuart Price, Director of Group
Marketing, added, "PHS is proud to be able to make its own contribution to this
thriving, local Band. The BTM Brass Band has expanded and developed whilst supporting
the local community with its tuition programme. We’re pleased that our partnership
will allow the band to play at local concerts in many local communities across the
UK." |
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July - 2007 Steve Triumphs in New Zealand |
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BTM's Steve Lomas won the New Zealand Bass Trombone Championship. With a score of
97 out of 100, the mighty Stevo beat off former champions from New Zealand and Australia.
He celebrated with a marmite sandwich and a glass of milk. Well done Steve!. |
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July - 2007 Trips Abroad |
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Several members of the band have been playing abroad this summer. Jeff Hutcherson
has been on a concert tour down under in Australia with MD Jason Katsikaris and
the Gunnedah band. Tim Jones and Kirsty Davies have been on tour to Canada with
the NYBBW, Richard Cartlidge has been touring Northern France with the County High
Schools Orchestra and a number of players have spent time playing in Germany. |
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June - 2007 Carry on Camping!!! |
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Following the exhausting (but successful!) first half of this year, the band decided
to have a “chill-out” weekend away in West Wales. Around 10 playing members and
some of their families spent a weekend in June on a campsite just outside Saundersfoot.
The rain kept off long enough on the Friday night for the tents to go up, and the
local pub welcomed us with open arms! Saturday morning was fine and the band was
able to play to the crowds on a glorious afternoon in Saundersfoot harbour. A rugby
match in the field on Saturday night resulted in our band manager breaking his leg
– hopefully it won’t stop him going to Australia in July. |
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Sunday morning was overcast and a bit drizzly, but, true to form, the sun broke
through for the band to play in Tenby harbour for the afternoon, stopping at 4.00
p.m. for the church to ring its bells! We all had a great weekend (except for the
broken leg!) and are hoping to go again before the end of the summer. Big thanks
to all the residents and local businesses that made us feel very welcome. |
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Goodbyes! |
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The band is very sad to be losing the services of Jude Myers and Holly Winsor who
are going back home to Australia. Over the past year they have been an integral
part of BTM both playing wise and socially. Also leaving is Chris Spreadbury on
2nd Trombone who has been loyal member of BTM for the past two years. He has completed
his studies at Cardiff University and is going back home to Devon. BTM would like
to wish them all good luck for the future. |
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27-May-2007 All England Masters International |
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The Band gained a creditable 10th position beating some class opposition whilst
earning themselves numerous world ranking points. This result, along with the Grand
Shield and Ebbw Vale, have moved the band up to 22 in the rankings. The band would
like to thank Bruce Myers, Marcus Salone and Holly Winsor for their contribution
during recent contests. |
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19-May-2007 Grand Shield |
The band continued their good form with 6th place in the Grand Shield at Blackpool
competing against a selection of top bands. Some thought the band deserved more
including 4BR who placed the band 3rd. The band were very pleased with their performance
though slightly dissappointed at not getting into the prizes.
There will be no rest for the band in the coming week as they prepare for the All
England Masters International next weekend where they will be facing an even stronger
field! They will need to be at their best as they will be competing against 11 of
the top 20 world ranked bands.
The band management team would like to thank MD Jason Katsikaris and all members
for their hard work and committment during this very busy period, and wish them
every success next weekend in Cambridge. |
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12-May-2007 BTM Win at Ebbw Vale |
Another good performance by the band saw them win the RTB Trophy and a first prize
of £180 at the SEWBBA Brass Band Festival in Ebbw Vale, ahead of Newbridge (Celynen)
in second and Tredegar in third. Their performance of the Grand Shield test piece,
'A Night to Sing' earnt them a two point winning margin from adjudicator Christopher
Wormald.
This will give the Band confidence going to Blackpool knowing that they have another
week of 'fine tuning' to perfect their performance.
Special congratulations go to Australian Bruce Myers (right) who took the HH Cook
Memorial Trophy as Best Horn Player. Bruce dedicated his win to his wife and new
born son back home in Australia. |
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18-Mar-2007 BTM Qualify for National Finals |
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BTM came 3rd at the 2007 Welsh Regional Championship held at the Brangwyn
Hall, Swansea. Another quality performance by the band found favour with adjudicator Geoffrey
Whitham who was full of praise for the overall high standard of playing in the competition.
The band was intelligently directed by Jason Katsikaris and gave a sound technical
performance with some outstanding solo and ensemble playing. In particular, Ian
Roberts was singled out by 4barsrest.com as producing the "best cornet playing of
the day".
This result means that BTM qualify for the National Finals to be held at the Royal
Albert Hall, London , on 20th October 2007. |
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17-Feb-2007
BTM win The Miners Eisteddfod at Porthcawl |
BTM maintained their recent good form to win the Miners Eisteddfod Entertainment
Contest at Porthcawl. Adjudicator John Berryman awarded them the first prize of £1000 and the solid silver CISWO Challenge Trophy. Percussionist Richard Cartlidge, aged 13,
was also awarded the Rosemary Deere Shield for the youngest player on the day.
MD Jason Katsikaris said "It's a tremendous result for the Band. I felt very proud
of the Band's performance and feel that all the hard work is beginning to pay off.
I'm really looking forward to the Area in Swansea next month. It was also especially
rewarding that Richard Cartlidge received the award for the youngest player on the
day at the age of thirteen - an excellent achievement to be part of a winning band
in the championship section at such a young age."
4barsrest.com commented "The honours though went to BTM who showed that 2007
holds much promise if they can continue to progress under the direction of the exciting
Jason Katsikaris" |
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10-Feb-2007
BTM in the prizes again at Yeovil |
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The Band were awarded 3rd Prize at the 2007 Yeovil Entertainment Contest , the best
result for the band at this contest since 1991 when they finished 2nd.
Congratulations again to Jeff Hutcherson who took the Best Soloist prize for the
second contest in succession with a stunning performance of 'The Children of Sanchez'
on flugel horn.
The Band now look forward to the forthcoming contest at Porthcawl. |
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9-Dec-2006
St Davids Hall Concert |
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On Saturday 9th December, the BTM band played
at the Leukaemia Research Concert with Carols at St Davids Hall Cardiff, with
the Morriston Orpheus Choir and Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion. They played to a delighted
capacity audience, and over £10,000 was raised for this most worthy cause.
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New Players |
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We would like to welcome some new players to the band. Kirsty Davies, formerly of
the Abergavenny Band and studying at Cardiff University joins us on 2nd cornet,
and Zoe Alexander comes in on Repiano. Zoe is studying at the Royal Welsh College
of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Matt Hardy joins the band in the percussion section
and is also studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We wish them
all a long and enjoyable association with the band. |
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05-Nov-2006
Pontins Triumph! |
The band recently competed at the Pontins championships in Prestatyn, North Wales.
The band's performance of "Blitz" by Derek Bourgeois impressed the adjudicators
who awarded the band 2nd prize, with the best soloist prize going to our principal
cornet player, Jeff Hutcherson.
MD Jason Katsikaris said " It has been a great weekend for the band both musically
and socially. All the players worked extremely hard on the run up to the contest,
and they played out of their skins on stage. Special mention must go to Jeff, who
gave an exemplary performance. This result nicely rounds off the contesting season
for us, and we will return next season with renewed vigour and determination." |
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Heineken Cup Final 2006 |
The BTM Band
once again performed to a crowd of 74,508 at this years Heineken Cup Final between
Munster and Biarritz at the Millennium Stadium. The band entertained the masses
with some pre-match renditions of Volare (arranged by Bruce Myers), Jerusalem, Cwm
Rhondda and Delilah and accompanied by the Treorchy Male voice Choir and 2 well
known European artists.
Bruce (pictured) thoroughly enjoyed the whole match experience and was seen cheering
and chanting for the Munster side (surrounded by hordes of Munster fans!).
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13-May-2006 BTM back in the Grand Shield |
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The band under the direction
of Jason Katsikaris gained 2nd place at this years Senior Cup in Blackpool, securing
a qualification spot back to the Grand Shield in 2007. Playing off a number 3 draw,
the band produced a performance of Phillip Sparke's 'Harmony Music' which
found favour
with the judges (Frank Renton and Steven Mead). BTM Will now compete next year within
a tough group of top bands to try and gain a place in to the British Open. |