The last four years have seen the rise of an exciting conducting talent in the South Wales valleys.

Mark

James Jones has been making his mark with the Rogerstone Band in the past four years, especially after being invited to fill the full time Musical Director role just six months ago.

In his short tenure the band has grown from eight regular playing members, and this weekend will return to national contesting with their appearance at the Butlins Mineworkers Festival in Skegness.

Success

Over the last four years Rogerstone has won promotion, successfully defended their Welsh League title and won contests at local and regional level as well as embarking on a highly enjoyable tour of Ireland.

James was diagnosed with depression in early 2011 and endured prolonged spells out of college during his final year of his degree.

Support

However, with the support of family and friends the former principal euphonium of the National Youth Band of Wales graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and now has his sights firmly set of bringing the glory days back to the band.

He has brought a breath of fresh air to Rogerstone, and with such a positive attitude, we can confidently look to the futureBand Manager Julian Sheppard

Great future

He told 4BR: "I cannot express how grateful I am for all the people who have supported me through my degree, especially my partner Kate, along with my family who helped me stay focused through difficult times."

He added: "Everyone at Rogerstone was fully supportive and offered me whatever help they could. I’m looking forward to a great future and I hope to help Rogerstone to more success. If I could help them a fraction of what they have helped me, I will be extremely humbled."

Further improvement

Band Manager Julian Sheppard added: "We have had a great time over the last four years, and we are looking forward to further improvement in the standard of the band. Jamie has brought a breath of fresh air to Rogerstone, and with such a positive attitude, we can confidently look to the future."