Welsh Area champion Tredegar has unveiled a quartet of new signings ahead of their first major appearance of the 2017 season at the RNCM Brass Band Festival in Manchester on the weekend.

Quartet

Returning to the band on solo horn is Chris Davies from Co-operative Funeralcare, whilst a new euphonium team will be led by the experienced Martyn Patterson from Desford, alongside Chris Smith from Burry Port. The talented young percussionist Alex Evans signs from Ammanford.

Welcome

MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR that he was delighted to welcome the players ahead of what is a busy year for the band.

"It's great to have Chris back with us. He's a superb player and such a valuable asset to the band.

I've also been a great admirer of Martyn as a player ever since he played with Tredegar when I was here as a player in the 1990s. His top level record speaks for itself so to have him lead the section with such an emerging talent as Chris is another huge boost.

We've also been fortunate to sign some of the best young percussion talent in Wales over the last few years, so I'm delighted that we've done that again with Alex joining the ranks."

We are already working on some innovative projects with more to come, so I'm hoping that we can continue to build on our reputation as one of the most progressive brass bands in the world during 2017Ian Porthouse

Innovative projects

He added: "We are already working on some innovative projects with more to come, so I'm hoping that we can continue to build on our reputation as one of the most progressive brass bands in the world during 2017. I know these signings will certainly help us to do that."

The new signings will make their concert debuts with the band at the RNCM Brass Band Festival at the RNCM in Manchester on Saturday (January 28th)