Evening of mixed emotions as band soloist departs
Don’t forget, Lewis Merthyr Band play Penarth Pier on July 30, from 12noon -2pm.
THE atmosphere at the Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon, was mixed with delight, excitement, expectancy, nostalgia and a touch of sadness.
The audience were delighted to be there to hear for themselves the best band in Europe and, at this moment, in the world.
The audience would also feel some excitement and would be expecting to hear sublime playing from the World Champions, but all this would pale to almost insignificance when one considers how the young players of the Cory Academy were feeling as they prepared to join their heroes on stage and play with the best band in the world.
They must have been bursting with excitement and pride as they took their seats among the world champions on Saturday, July 16.
What an occasion for these young players and the Cory players must have felt a great deal of satisfaction as they continue to produce a new layer of top class brass players.
One of the Cory players who has succeeded in teaching many youngsters over the years would have been feeling very nostalgic at this concert as it would have been the last time, after 17 years, of his leading the trombone section.
Chris Thomas has been the trombone soloist in all that time and the band will be very sad to lose such an inspirational player.
Chris has had to relinquish the principal trombone seat due to work commitments and he will be relocating to the north of England.
I am sure the top bands ‘up north’ will be rubbing their hands with glee as they receive such a star player into their midst.
Philip Harper made a presentation to Chris, thanking him for his sterling service over the years in helping to keep the band in the premier position in the world and wishing him every success in the next chapter of his life.