Euphonium star Glyn Williams is set to mark 30 years of elite level banding next month when he plays with Cory Band in defence of their Welsh Area title in Swansea.

The Welshman made his first top-flight appearance back in 1995 following his appointment as solo euphonium at the then Britannia Building Society Band (Foden's), performing under Howard Snell.

Victories and accolades

And although he didn't taste title winning success that day, he has certainly more than made up for that since — with 15 Regional Championship victories to go alongside 9 Brass in Concert, 6 British Open, 5 National and 3 European triumphs. All that and there have also been victories to celebrate at the All England Masters, French Open and Swiss Open.

Amazingly they have all come with just the two bands — Foden's and since 2015, Cory, whilst they have also been accompanied by a personal haul of 'Best Instrumentalist' and 'Best Euphonium' major championship accolades — around 18 and counting!

Global travels

The Adams Artist also been featured on countless occasions as a main soloist with both bands — including four times at the RNCM Festival of Brass. He has also travelled the globe with band tours from the USA to South Korea and solo engagements in Europe to Australia.

He has just returned from a trip to the USA where he was a clinician at the Mid-Atlantic Brass Band Festival at Rowan University in Philadelphia. He is also due to return to Australia in the coming weeks to work in his role as Guest Musical Director of the Footscray Yarraville Band in preparation for their forthcoming appearance at the Australian National Championships.

Passed so quickly

"I don't quite know how the time has passed so quickly," he told 4BR.

"One minute I was the excited youngster setting out with Foden's and now young players look towards me as an elder statesman!

I've enjoyed every minute of the last 30 years though, especially with Helen at my side. The successes we have enjoyed together have been very special indeed and the friends we have made along the way mean so much to us both."

I've enjoyed every minute of the last 30 years though, especially with Helen at my side. The successes we have enjoyed together have been very special indeed and the friends we have made along the way mean so much to us bothGyn Williams

Milestone

He added: "The Welsh Area this year does mark a milestone, but I want there to be many more to come in the banding world as a player, conductor and adjudicator. I have always wanted to put something back into the movement and that is very important to me.

I've had some truly magnificent times spent with amazing people which I'll cherish for ever. It has been a privilege and an achievement of which
I'm extremely proud thanks to those who helped me along the way."