City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) has announced a number of new signings ahead of the forthcoming contesting season.

With the decision of Mike Saunders to step down in order to focus on his Salvation Army commitments, the band welcomes Lowenna Taylor, formerly of Tredegar and Cory, on solo horn.

Horn and flugel

Joining, Lowenna, who recently performed as a guest soloist with the Cornwall Youth Band, will be the experienced duo of Chris Hicks from Flowers and flugel horn Alex James, who previously played with BTM. Chris Brown moves from flugel to the solo cornet bench.

In addition the talented Rhodri Skyrne has gained a well deserved promotion from the organisation’s M2 Band to take on the repiano cornet role.

The band continues to strengthen its ranks, and we are delighted to be attracting more quality playersConductor, Nigel Seaman

Thanks and welcome

A spokesperson told 4BR: “The band would like to express its sincere thanks to Mike for his commitment and superb playing over the last six years.”

Meanwhile, Nigel Seaman, who will conduct M1 at this year’s Welsh Area contest, added: “The band continues to strengthen its ranks, and we are delighted to be attracting more quality players.

We are now looking forward the start of our contesting year at the Welsh Open in Porthcawl and the Area contest in Swansea.”