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December 2005 Christmas Concert, Canolfan Beaumaris, 9th and 10th December Both nights a sell out - a great concert once again. What a treat to see and listen to so many young musicians on stage in the first half and all obviously enjoying every minute of their performance. The senior band took stage in the second half entertaining the audience with lots of new Christmas arrangements. The special guest this year was Ken Dodd with his Diddy Men and the theme for the second half of the concert was 'Happiness!' |
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November 2005 North Wales Brass Band Championships, Rhyl Town Hall , Saturday 19th The 'B' band competed once again at the annual NWBBA Championships in Rhyl. The contest is broken into two parts - a March and own choice Test Piece. Conductor Paul chose to play 'Lodestar' by Ray Steadman-Allen as the March and 'Music for a Festival' by Philip Sparke as the test piece. Both pieces were well received by the audience and adjudicator Mr Roy Roe. The Band were awarded 1st Prize for their performance of the test piece and 2nd Prize for the March. Paul commented on how pleased he was with the way the band played, especially after playing at the Pontins Champsionships 3 weeks earlier - "It was a fantastic effort to learn both the March and Test Piece in such a short space of time, the band are a real credit to themselves and Beaumaris!" |
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October 2005 Pontins Brass Band Championships, Prestatyn Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th
The Senior Band competed in the Championship section playing the test piece 'Three Figures' by Herbert Howells with Russell Gray conducting. Not the best of performances from the band and adjudicators Nigel Boddice & Geoffrey Whitham placed them 11th. |
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August 2005 Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru - Eryri a'r Cyffiniau The 'B' band and Senior Band were both successful at this year's National Eisteddfod - Two 1st Prizes! |
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July 2005 Summer Concert - Saturday 9th July All the fun of the Carnival was the theme on Saturday evening - the band turned out in their flamboyant costumes which complemented the programme of music. The foot-tapping audience enjoyed the likes of 'La Bamba', 'Souza on Parade' 'Yellow Bird' and many other familiar pieces. The rhythms continued as Dewi Ellis Jones and Joe Pearson of the percussion section took to the stage to perform a selection of pieces on marimba and xylophone. It was facinating to hear them play a very interesting piece composed by Dewi for Roto Toms and Temple Blocks - the feet were tapping even more! The guest singer this year was once again the band's very own Bb bass player Geraint Evans - he serenaded the audience with a beautiful Welsh version of 'Pokarekare Ana' aided by his favourite backing singers and 2 beautiful young ladies dancing by his side - you just had to be there!! The band will be saying farewell to two members as they go off on their travels to University - Gwenno Jones, Euphonium and Mike Hall, Percussion, the band wish them all the very best for the future and thank them both for their dedication and commitment over the years. |
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| June 2005 Senior Band Tour of Norway - 1st - 5th June To find out how it went please click here
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May 2005 Gwyl Beaumaris Festival, Tuesday 31st May, Canolfan Beaumaris The band were proud once again to perform at the Annual Festival in Beaumaris. This year the guest soloist was none other than the band's principal tuba player 'Les Neish'. The programme included a new work especially written for the band called 'Henffych y Ddraig' (Salute the Dragon) composed by John Parkinson. This piece featured Paul Hughes and Dewi Griffiths our very own official trumpeters of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The other new commission for this concert was a Concerto for Tuba which was written by the young composed in residence for the Black Dyke Mills Band - Peter Meechan. This piece had been especially commissioned by the Band’s principal tuba player ‘Les Neish’ who dazzled the audience with his technical brilliance. Earlier that day Les had performed his final recital to gain his Masters degree at the RNCM. The audience were treated to an eclectic programme and it was obvious from their response that they had enjoyed the evening immensely. The
Grand Shield Contest - Saturday, 7th May at the Winter Gardens,
Blackpool 'Masquerade' was the challenge of the day for the Grand Shield. Notably one of the most difficult and technical of pieces and was most certainly a test for each band. With an unlucky draw of number 2 on stage out of 20 bands the band, under the leadership of Gwyn Evans, gave a stylish performance and laid down the marker for the other bands to follow. Perhaps it would have been a fairer result had the band played later in the draw. All in all a disappointing 11th place was awarded but alas no sorrows were drowned as the evening approached, celebrations were looming for Geraint's (Bb bass) stag do!! Unfortunately there will be no write up or photos available on the evening events - oh! ok then just the one click here Buxton Brass Band Festival, May 1st, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton The 'B' band made their way to sunny Buxton to compete in the 3rd section and chose to play Philip Sparke's test piece 'Triptych'. The adjudicator this year, Malcolm Brownbill thanked the band for their performance noting that "it was a performance with lots to enjoy particularly the 2nd movement". Paul Hughes commented that he had thoroughly enjoyed the build up and the band's response to such a taxing piece and was proud that the band gained 3rd prize in such creditable company. |
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April 2005 NWBBA
Solo and Quartet Championships, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, Bethesda The young members of the band came up trumps once again at the annual Solo and Quartet competition this year winning several top prizes and securing the shield for the most points overall. We are very proud of all the youth members and congratulate them on their hard work and perseverance in their endeavours to strive for the best. Da iawn hogia!!!
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March 2005 Prize Bingo in the Bandroom A very successful Prize Bingo evening was held in the Bandroom on Wednesday 16th March - a big thank you for all the donations and to all the organisers for their support. The Welsh Regional Championships - Brangwyn Hall, Swansea The Senior Band competed in the Championship Section on Sunday, 13th March playing the test piece 'Overture to the Opera Rienzi' by R.Wagner arranged by Howard Lorriman. The band didn't quite come up trumps on the day (placed 5th) but nevertheless enjoyed working on the piece with conductor, Morten Hansen. |
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February 2005 Action Research (Medical) Youth Brass Band Entertainment Championships, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, Sunday 13th February 2005
This
was followed by a very controlled and moving performance of
the hymn tune ‘Crimond’. The balance, dynamics
and control that this young band showed was absolutely first
class and gained high praise from the adjudicator, Colin Hardy.
Congratulations
also to our Horn section who won first prize for the best
Horn section of the day. Unfortunately the marks awarded for entertainment were not sufficient to award the band first prize overall. I guess it means the band will have to get their dancing shoes out next year!! Well done to all the players and a big thank you to Paul and Gwyn for their dedication and hard work.
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December 2004 On wednesday, 8th December the town of Beaumaris held its Victorian Evening - many of the shops were decorated and the staff dressed up in Period Costume. There was all kinds of street entertainment and a parade lead by our Band - a very enjoyable evening. During
December the band turned out on numerous occasions playing
Christmas Carols along with a team of collectors which raised
in excess of £4000. A big thank you to all the players,
collectors, organisers and supporters for all the help during
this period and to those members of the public who gave so
generously. Annual Christmas Concert - Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December
The Youth Band and ‘B’ band also gave stunning performances which included a selection of pieces from their prize winning entertainment contest programmes – both Bands conducted by Paul Hughes.
The second half was the turn of the senior band and it started off with a Christmas song from Santa’s Helpers . The band's performance of the Christmas Carol ‘Stille Nacht’ which included the band singing, brought huge applause from the audience. Star of the evening once again was Bing Crosby (aka Geraint Bb Bass) singing ‘Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow. We had two soloists during the second half, Les Neish on Tuba playing Fnugg Blue and Nicholas Hughes on Cornet playing a beautiful arrangement of the Christmas Carol 'Away in a Manger'. The highlight of the evening was the grand finale where all bands were invited on stage for the final item ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’– what a great sight to see – over 140 members taking part.
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November 2004 A busy time for the Intermediate Band! The
following day Sunday, 28th November
the Intermediate Band travelled to Wylfa Saturday,
27th November Saturday, 20th - North Wales Brass Band Association Rally, Rhyl Town HallThe Beaumaris Intermediate Band gained 3rd prize in the Youth ‘B’ Section. For many of the young players this was their first competition and there was great excitement during the day. The piece the band chose to play was the ‘Savoy Suite’ from Stuart Johnson’s Progressive Band book series and they gave a very commendable performance under the baton of Fred Evans. |
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October 2004 National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain 2004 held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 16th October Once
again the Senior Band played in the Championship Section Finals
with Morten E Hansen conducting the band and gained a very
creditable 11th position with 186 points. The test piece this
year was a new commission by composer Dr Michael Ball called
…all the flowers of the mountain... and demanded a high
level of musicianship by all players especially the soloists
which did us proud. The result once again proving the band
are not just one of the top bands in Wales but now the UK.
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September 2004 Wychavon Festival of Brass, Sunday 26th September
On Sunday the 26th of September, the Senior band made the long trip down to Evesham to compete in the Wychavon Festival of Brass. This year the band was conducted by Russell Gray and started their programme with a very technical piece of music 'Introduction' written by the talented Norwegian composer Torstein Aagard-Nielsen. Following 'Introduction', the band then played a Steve Sykes arrangement of the big band classic “Caravan” which featured the excellent solo trombone John Barber. The next piece composed by Pat Metheny featured the solo euphonium Aled Williams.
The band finished their programme with Reel Music, arranged by Frode Rydland. This is a great piece of music in which different members of the band stand up to face the audience to play the reel. A good performance by the band in such a short time with Russell Gray - they came away with 3rd prize. The band would like to thank John Barber, solo trombone of the Fodens Richardson Band for sitting in instead of Jos and Dave Browning, percussion Menai Bridge for also helping the band. Also a big thanks to Russell Gray for an excellent few days which the band thoroughly enjoyed! Comment from an onlooker: "I won't even talk about the Eb bass solo, its one you need to watch to believe. Those that missed this section did miss the most unusual and superb performance by Beaumaris and their extrodinary Eb Bass solo. If you get a chance to see them in concert do. A quite spectacular performance and clear winners for me. Well done" (davegp from themouthpiece.com) "As
a new championship section band it was a privilege to watch
this The Celts welcome the Vikings - Beaumaris and Stavanger Brass Band in Concert Thursday, 16th September A review of the concert by Nick Jones
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July 2004 Band Summer Concert - Friday 16th July The annual summer concert went down a storm again this year. Pop music was the theme and we saw quite a few pop star look-a-likes, some taking centre stage showing off their singing talents - quite impressive!! The band played a varied programme of well known pop songs which had the audience captivated from start to finish. A good all round foot-tapping entertaining evening. The 2004 National Festival of Music for Youth, 8th July 2004
3 cheers for Beaumaris Youth Band - they did us proud! It was quite an experience for the youngsters to perform at this venue and it was obvious from the sound and presence of the band that they enjoyed all 12 minutes on stage with their conductor Paul Hughes. Below are some of the comments given by the panel of adjudicators: Celtic
Cocktail - Si
Hei Lwli Mabi
- Victory
- Well done to all the youth band players on such a fine performance and a big thank you to Paul, Gwyn, Fred and everyone else that helped to make this happen. Click here for some pics! To
find out more about this Festival click on the following link: |
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June 2004 Band
Sponsored Walk, Sunday 27th June |
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May 2004 Eisteddfod
Genedlaethol yr Urdd 2004 The
Grand Shield Contest - Saturday, 8th May at the Winter Gardens,
Blackpool
The Senior Band competed in the Grand Shield contest this year under the baton of Morten Hansen. The piece was definitely a test for all players and the band gave a commendable performance. Placed 11th was a tad disappointing to say the least but a night's stay in Blackpool soon had the band on the up and ready for the next contest. Click here for pics Music
for Youth |
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March 2004 Welsh Regional Championships, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 13th & 14th March
Sunday 14th saw the Senior Band taking the stage under their guest conductor Morten Hansen to perform their interpretation of the test piece 'Tristan Encounters' by Martin Ellerby. The band thoroughly enjoyed the preparation and final performance of this challenging tempestuous piece really getting to grips with what the music was all about. All soloists showed such expressive musical qualities and once again it was clear from the response of the audience that the band were on the right track and in with an excellent chance of rocking the boat down South. Gaining 4th place has given the band the opportunity of representing Wales at the National Finals, Royal Albert Hall in October this year and we are sure that they will make us proud once again. A special thank you to Morten for all his hard work and enthusiasm, the band look forward to working closely with him again over the next few months and for the build up to the Big One - ON YA GO!
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Porthcawl Brass Band Championship, Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl On Saturday 21st February the Senior Band travelled the long journey down South to "Sunny" Porthcawl to compete in the above Entertainment contest under the direction of guest conductor Morten Hansen. It was an enjoyable run up to the competition for the band with a new and refreshing programme which also showcased the band's vocal talents in an arrangement of an original Swahili harvest song 'Kesaule'. The programme also consisted of the cornet solo 'Ved Nedsland Kyrkje' played beautifully by the band's principal cornet Paul Hughes. For their finale the band chose Chuck Mangione's exciting and rhythmical 'Children of Sanchez' spotlighting the talents of Gwyn Evans on flugelhorn and Dewi Griffiths on cornet. It was obvious from the applause and reaction of the audience during and after the performance that the adjudicator got it wrong this time!! It was a most stunning performance by the band and so well directed only to be awarded 3rd prize overall, but also gaining the award for the most entertaining programme. Action Research (Medical) Youth Brass Band Entertainment Championships, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, Sunday, February 15th 2004
We are all extremely proud of our youngsters and wish them every success for the coming year - many congratulations and a special thank you to Paul Hughes for his hard work and dedication once again. NWBBA
Solo and Quartet Championships, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, Bethesda
It was a treat to hear such talent from the youngsters and it's good to know that the future of the band will be on a sound footing for years to come. Beaumaris brought home the trophy for the most points yet again this year. Congratulations to you all. |
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| December 2003 A very busy December for all the band members and the 'Friends of the Band' -
Not an empty seat in the house on both nights and Gwyn and Fred in competition yet again with 'Who's wearing the snazziest waistcoat?'. All the bands took part and it was fantastic to hear how the junior and intermediate bands had progressed, they were brilliant. click for pics The 'B' band have had a tremendously successful year and played a selection of pieces from their prize winning entertainment contest programmes. The Senior Band, entertaining as ever, played some fantastic arrangements of Film and Christmas Music which included a solo 'Frosty the Snowman' from their very own Bass Trombonist 'Arwel Davies' - a thoroughly enjoyable concert!
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| November 2003 North Wales Brass Band Championships, Rhyl, Saturday 22nd November The Youth Band brought home a very well deserved 1st Prize for their 'own choice' test piece 'Music from Kantara' and 1st Prize for best March 'Death or Glory'. Paul Hughes was congratulated on a very well directed peformance - very musical. Kevin Jones won the Best Bass Trombone award in Sections 2 and 3 - well done! |
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| October 2003 Pontins Brass Band Championships, Prestatyn, Sat/Sun 25/26th October 3rd
Section Test Piece: Music from Kantara, Kenneth Downie What a performance yet again from the 'B' Band - drawn no. 2 they certainly made an impression with the adjudicator and brought home 1st prize. Adjudicator's Remarks: Solid
sounds and well balanced Fantastic win 'B' Band - congratulations to you all and to Paul on a fine winning performance. |
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| September 2003 Wychavon Festival of Brass, Sunday 28th September The 'B' Band competing in Section 3, conducted by Paul Hughes were really on top form. The choice of programme was very much liked by adjudicator, Denzil Stephens who placed them clear winners with 96 points and commented "you sound as if you are pushing ahead, ready for the next section up!"
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| August 2003 Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru - Meifod 2003
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| July 2003 Summer Concert Another year gone by and amazingly another sell out concert on Saturday 12th July. The theme this year was 'Summer Showcase' which consisted of music from musicals and broadway shows. The first half saw the band in traditional mode performing great arrangements such as 'Another Openin' Another Show' and a specially arranged cornet feature for the band's principal cornet player, Paul Hughes, of 'With One Look' from Sunset Boulevard accompanied beautifully by the band and Aled Evans on piano. The bang really did blow the audience off their chairs when the second half opened with the band marching in from both sides of the Hall to a lively and entertaining rendition of 'Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang' all dressed as characters from films and shows of the era.
The special guest this year was flown in specially from down under. gladioli's and all in the form of Dame Edna (aka Geraint Bb bass) and Michael & Jane from Mary Poppins (aka Nia and Mags - Horns) It was clear from the fantastic response of the audience that they had thoroughly enjoyed another superbly entertaining showcase performed by the band who left them wanting more. |
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| June 2003
A good turn out for the annual sponsored walk again this year on Sunday 29th. The weather was beautiful which made the walk all the more pleasant and the barbecue on the beach was especially enjoyed by the younger members. A big thank you to all who took part and a special thanks to the organisers, parents and 'chefs' at the barbecue.
Gwyl Felinheli The Senior band were invited for the first time to perform on the opening night of the Gwyl Felinheli Festival on Saturday 28th. They were joined by Elin Fflur and the evening was compered by the Welsh comedian Tudur Dylan. Rhyl
Festival of Brass Yet another triumph for the 'B' band at the Rhyl Festival of Brass on Sunday 22 June.The adjudicator, Malcolm Brownbill awarded the band a worthy first prize yet again this year for a most enjoyable and musical performance. The band also received high marks for their presentation by adjudicator, Mrs Sue Roberts who clearly enjoyed the entertainment value of the programme and the general discipline in deportment shown by the band.
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| May 2003 The
Grand Shield Contest |
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| April 2003 Results
to be proud of ....... |
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| March 2003 Welsh
Regional Championships, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea The Senior Band competed on Sunday 16th in the Championship Section playing the test piece 'Prague' by Judith Bingham and gave a fine performance on stage at the Brangwyn Hall. The band did not qualify for the finals this year but will be back next year to try to win their way through we're sure. |
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| February 2003 NWBBA
Solo and Quartet Championships, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen, Bethesda |
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The
test piece for the Third Section this year was 'Excelsior'
by Howard Snell and the 'B' band gave a commendable performance
according to the adjudicators, Ian Brownbill & David Horsfield.
They were awarded 4th prize and Paul Hughes at the helm once
again was very pleased with their performance - the band is
going from strength to strength - well done to all.
The next item was a soprano cornet solo “On with the
Motley” performed by Graham Bushell and he wowed
the audience with such a dramatic performance which gained
him the prize of best soprano player of the day – this
is the second year in succession that Graham has won this
prize and he’s still only 15 years of age – well
done Graham! 
Gwyn
Evans and members of the Band were delighted with being first
in the music section of the competition with a final remark
from the adjudicator which said simply ‘BRILLIANT’.
Congratulations
to Cai Isfryn on being invited to play as a member of the
European Youth Brass Band this year. He has played with Seindorf
Beaumaris Band for nine years and at the age of 17 is currently
2nd man down on the front row cornet section of the Senior
Band. Cai will be travelling to Holland on 23rd April to tour
with the Brass Band playing at various concerts and festivals.
Once
again the two nights were full to capacity and what a performance
by all the bands taking part starting with the Junior Band
and Intermediate Band playing their Christmas Pieces conducted
by Fred Evans. 
Prize
Bingo at the Bandroom
Social Club to take part in a ‘Teddy’s and Tinsel’
Charity Fund Raising Concert in support of Hope House and
other local charitable organisations. The band performed a
medley of Christmas Tunes and also played for the audience
to sing Christmas Carols – we’re sure they will
be invited back again next year.
The band held’s it’s annual Christmas coffee morning
at the Music Centre with various fund raising stalls which
was a great success The Junior and intermediate band provided
the entertainment during the morning. Many thanks to the parents,
committee members and helpers for their hard work and preparation
in making the morning a success. 
This
year Les Neish, Solo Eb Bass, was the featured soloist. He
chose to play Fnugg Blue which is one of the most difficult
solos about, arranged by Oysten Baadsvik. Les showed he is
one Europe's finest young tuba players and the band are very
lucky to have him as a member. Although he played the solo
very well, (including 'multiphonics' which means to play and
sing at the same time) he was unfortunate not to win the best
soloist. 
Adjudicators:
Dr Roy Newsome and James Scott
On
Saturday, 13th March the 'B' Band competed in the 3rd section
playing Gilbert Vinter's challenging test piece 'Viscaya'.
The piece was a real test for all involved due its sparse
scoring which demanded a high level of controlled ensemble
playing which the band succeeded in doing in an effortless
manner. All soloists played expressively and the accompaniment
was sympathetic throughout. Once again the band played to
an exceptionally high level under the Direction of Paul Hughes
and did not let themselves down. The result was disappointing
only gaining 3rd prize and missing out by just 1 point on
qualifying for the National Finals in Harrogate later this
year.
February
2004
An
outstanding performance by the Youth Band resulting in a well
deserved first prize. The Band's programme had a Celtic theme
and the players complemented this with their uniform (
A
week before the competition the bandroom was buzzing with
youngsters rehearsing at any given opportunity and in any
available space. Duets in one room, quartets in another whilst
the solos queued patiently to wait their turn with the accompanist.
A brilliant sight to see from such young people - a credit
to themselves, their tutors and the band. The fruits of their
hard work and labour obviously showed on the day.
The
intermediate band played at the Christmas Coffee Morning which
was very well attended.
A
very successful Prize Bingo evening was held at the Bandroom
- lots of requests to hold some more Bingo evenings next year.
A
big thank you to all the helpers and everyone who turned out
at the various locations to play christmas carols. The Band
would also like to thank everyone for their donations.
Christmas
Concert, Canolfan Beaumaris, 5th and 6th December
Llwyddiant
aruthrol i'r band 'B' unwaith eto yng nghystadleuaeth bandiau
pres adran 3 ynEisteddfod Genedlaethol Meifod-2003. Roedd
y band yn cystadlu yn erbyn 3 o fandiau eraill o'r un adran.
Yng ngeiriau'r beirniad Mr.Brian Buckley roeddynt yn ennillwyr
amlwg ac yn llawn haeddiannol o'r wobr gyntaf wrth iddynt
sefyll pen ac ysgwyddau uwchben yr ymgeiswyr eraill.
Band
Sponsored Walk
The
prize for best soloist also went to the principal cornet player
of the band - James Bulkely-Rees for his "haunting"
performance of the negro-spiritual 'Sometimes I feel like
a Motherless Child'. Congratulations to their conductor Paul
Hughes and all the 'B' band members for making us proud once
again. 