As well as looking for new rehearsal facilities, the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)Band are now in the market for a bigger trophy cabinet after completing a clean sweep of all the prizes in the Third Section of the SEWBBA Contest held in Treorchy.

Solo prizes

As well as winning the contest and being awarded the Mel Huntley Memorial Trophy, the band’s horn section picked up the Mavis Thomas Memorial Trophy. Not to be outdone, 11 year old soprano player Alexander Rees was awarded the Rhondda Cynon Taf Trophy as the best instrumentalist in the class.

The band meanwhile triumphed on John Rutter’s 'Suite for Brass', which brought them such success at the Harrogate recently.

Adjudicator Peter Roberts complimented the quality of the band's technical performance and the excellence of ensemble playing, soloists, atmosphere and dynamic contrasts throughout the piece.

I am delighted that the commitment and effort shown by the Band’s members has received the reward they all deserveMD, Gareth Ritter

Piognant Trophy

The result also meant that the band has been placed first in each of the three qualifying contests for the second year running, becoming the Welsh League Section Three Champion Band, gaining promotion to the Second Section and being awarded the T.J. Powell Trophy – particularly poignant, as T.J. Powell was the band’s legendary conductor from 1920 to 1965.

Soprano fan

It was a particularly stressful day for Alexander Rees, as he is an ardent fan of the playing of Peter Roberts.

Alexander told 4BR: "I felt a mixture of emotions, as I was excited to be playing in front of my playing idol, but, at the same time I was extremely nervous in case I made a mistake.”

When presenting him with his award, Peter congratulated Alexander on his 'beautiful' playing and said he has the potential to become a really splendid player in the future.

Delighted

Summing up the Band’s success over the past twelve months, MD, Gareth Ritter, told 4BR: "I am delighted that the commitment and effort shown by the Band’s members has received the reward they all deserve.

"Promotion to Section Two was our main objective this year and to achieve it is very satisfying. Now we look forward to the challenges we shall face next year and, knowing the players as I do, I am certain we can achieve even more success in the higher grade."