Tylorstown MD Gary Davies has been awarded the prestigious Eric James Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Welsh Conductor of the Year.
Second time
It is the second time in just four years that the MD, who led his band to the First Section National Championship title in Cheltenham in September has claimed the honour.
Grass roots
Spokesperson Alyn James told 4BR: "The idea for the award came from a group of my father’s friends following his death in 1990.
He had expressed the view that, all too often, the hard work of grass roots conductors can go largely unnoticed and so this award was inaugurated.”
During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award."
Incredible achievements
He added: “In choosing Gary, we recognise and applaud his incredible achievements with Tylorstown over the past several years and felt that winning the First Section National title at Cheltenham was a magnificent achievement in a journey that will now see them compete against the elite of Welsh banding in 2014.
Our group would like to thank the South East Wales Association for allowing us to make this award at its final contest in Blaenavon.”
Honoured
A very proud MD was delighted to accept the award on behalf of his band. "I am very honoured to receive the award for a second time. It is really recognition of what Tylorstown has achieved this year – not just myself."
I am very honoured to receive the award for a second time. It is really recognition of what Tylorstown has achieved this year – not just myselfMD, Gary Davies
List of Recipients:
1992: E.J. CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute/Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS — Beaumaris Band
2009: GARETH RITTER — City of Cardiff (Melingriffth)Band
2010: GARY DAVIES — Tylorstown Band
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS — City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2
2012: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass Band
2013: GARY DAVIES – Tylorstown Band
