Tredegar’s principal euphonium player Byron ‘Buzz’ Newton is believed to have become the first brass player ever to be awarded a perfect score of 100% for a Master of Musical Arts final recital at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

Kiwi Dragon

The New Zealander’s, ‘Kiwi Dragon’ programme was considered flawless by the examination board trio of Andrew Fawbert, Kevin Price and Zoe Smith – with the written remark on his examination sheet simply reading: ‘An extraordinary performance of the very highest level’.

"I wanted to showcase a sample of my musical heritage as well as the influence living in Wales has had on me as a performer," he said.

Showcase

He was joined by pianist Chris Williams as well college friends who made up the accompanying Dragon Quartet and All Black Ensemble in a recital that included ‘Arioso and Allegro’ by Fiocco, Wilby’s ‘Concerto for Euphonium’ and works from, Anthony Ritchie, Alan Hoddinott, Kenneth Young and Matthew Hall.

Understandably, Buzz was delighted that two years of hard work had paid off in such spectacular fashion. "I have to thank my tutor David Childs, who has really helped me develop as a performer. He really pushed me towards this."

Congratulations

David Childs added his congratulations too: "I was in the audience to hear him play — and a performance. I’m very proud of Buzz for what he has achieved. He has been such a dedicated student and I hope this will now lead onto many greater things for him. He thoroughly deserves it."

I have to thank my tutor David Childs, who has really helped me develop as a performer. He really pushed me towards thisBuzz Newton

ITEC appearance

Those greater things will now an appearance at the prestigious ITEC Conference in Linz in Austria next week.

"I’m playing ‘Reverie’ there as well as getting to meet and play with some of the greatest low brass players in the world," he said excitedly. "I can’t wait – and I will be flying the flag for New Zealand, Wales – and especially Tredegar Band!"