The death has been announced of former Tredegar and Sun Life solo trombone player Mike Tilley. He was aged 71.

Taught by his father, the conductor of Celynen Band near Newbridge in south Wales, he became a much admired bass trombonist.

He later joined Tredegar, enjoying considerable success, before making the transition to tenor trombone and playing with the band as they won the Champion Band of Wales title and came third at the 1991 European Championships in Rotterdam.

Fine tenure

A highly respected headmaster at a local school in Crumlin near his home town, he subsequently travelled across the River Severn to join the Sun Life Band, where he enjoyed a fine tenure as principal trombone.

Following their demise he returned to play with a number of bands and ensembles, and was one of the most sought after 'pit' players for local amateur dramatic and school productions in south Wales — always willing to give of his time to help out.

Following a serious road accident, he made a long awaited banding return in 2011, with a thoroughly enjoyable period playing with Abertillery & District Band, as well as with a number of local jazz, big band and swing ensembles.

Classy

Abertillery & District Band Chairman John Harris told 4BR: "Mike was a great bloke to know and a great player to be in a band with. His experience and musicality rubbed off on players and he was always willing to help out. He will be greatly missed by us all."

Nigel Weeks, conductor of the National Band of New Zealand, who worked and conducted with him said: "It's so sad to hear. Mike was a super player — classy and solid. It was always a pleasure to conduct a band with him in."

Meanwhile, former Tredegar Band trombone player Alwyn Powell added: "This has come as very sad news to everyone in Welsh banding, and especially at Tredegar. Mike was a valued member of the band and a player of great distinction throughout his banding career."

His experience and musicality rubbed off on players and he was always willing to help out. He will be greatly missed by us allAbertillery & District Band chairman, John Harris

Funeral

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 18th July at 12.45pm at St Catherine's Church in Pontypridd, followed by a service at Thornhill Crematorium at 2.45pm. Music will be provided by a band made up of friends and colleagues.