Tredegar has welcomed the new signing of the experienced bass trombone player Andy Austin as they prepare for their National Finals appearance at the Royal Albert Hall next weekend.

Return

Andy returns to Welsh banding after a 20 year break, after studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff.

He subsequently moved to London where he became a Director of Music at a variety of schools and ensembles and also played with number of leading bands. After being invited to join Flowers Band he relocated back to the Midlands and is now acting Head of Music at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Progressive

He told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to join Tredegar, as they've been a band I've admired for their musical outlook for many years.

I had a great time with Flowers and thank them immensely, but the lure to join Tredegar and to be part of their exciting plans and ongoing projects was a real pull. I'm already enjoying being part of such a progressive, close knit outfit."

I had a great time with Flowers and thank them immensely, but the lure to join Tredegar and to be part of their exciting plans and ongoing projects was a real pull. I'm already enjoying being part of such a progressive, close knit outfitAndy Austin

New additions

Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse was also delighted with the new addition to the ranks. "We are always looking to improve as a band, and the chance to sign a player of Andy's quality was too good to miss.

My thanks go to Andy Russell who now becomes part of our back row cornet team and who is the best type of bandsman you can wish for, whilst the recent additional arrival of Simon Lloyd on BBb tuba has also boosted us as we look forward to the Albert Hall."