The legendary euphonium star Lyndon Baglin has been made a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to Brass Band Music, in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
The 81 year old has enjoyed an outstanding career since being born into a brass banding family in Berry Hill in Gloucestershire in 1937.
Sought after
He first joined the local Lydbrook Band on cornet before moving to baritone and then euphonium with Stroud Band, aged 15. He returned to Lydbrook two years later to become a much admired and sought after solo euphonium player — a role he held until 1960.
Such was his reputation that in 1961 he was head hunted by the great CWS (Manchester) Band under the mercurial Alex Mortimer, and whilst there became the 1961 Champion Soloist of Great Britain. He was runner-up on two more occasions (1966 & 1974).
Immense prowess
A player of immense technical prowess and artistic maturity, his professional work as an Inspector of Factories saw him locate to different areas of the country — enabling him to play with the likes of Black Dyke (on baritone and EEb tuba), Brighouse & Rastrick, where he helped the band to considerable success (including two World Championship titles) and Fairey (winning the British Open).
He was awarded the Insignia of Honour at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970 and became an integral part of the emergence of the Stanshawe Band (later Sun Life) from Bristol, whom he played for with great distinction, including their memorable 1990 British Open win on 'Le Roi'd'Y's'.
His wonderful playing can thankfully still be heard on numerous recordings and on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vgHdzen-6Y)
Brass band lovers all around the world will send their heartiest congratulations to a true virtuoso of the instrument on his well deserved honour4BR
Inspiration
In later years he enjoyed a remarkable 'Indian Summer' with Cory, showcasing his talents to inspire yet another generation of young euphonium stars, before settling down to perform once again with Lydbrook.
Brass band lovers all around the world will send their heartiest congratulations to a true virtuoso of the instrument on his well deserved honour.
