Monday 14th January 2007

Goodbye Gareth, Hello Lyndon

The Band has said goodbye to Gareth Ritter who has spent the last 9 months as MD of the Band.  Gareth's other commitments, including MD of City of Cardiff Band, means that he could no longer give 100% for Blaenavon Town Band and he felt that it would be unfair on himself and the Band to continue in that state.  The decision was a disappointment for for the Band as we had a very successful and enjoyable time with Gareth.  We all wish Gareth the very best (except at Swansea when he will be competing against us! Ha Ha!).

Up to the plate has stepped Lyndon Price former MD of Abergavenny and Lewis Merthyr.  Lyndon started his playing at Ebbw Vale with teacher Cliff Trivot.  He played Euphonium and Horn with Ebbw Vale Cwm bands before joining the Army as Junior Musician in 1976.  In 1978 he was awarded the annual Euphonium Prize at Kneller Hall.

Between 1979 and 1990 Lyndon toured the world with the Royal regiment of Wales Band playing Solo Euphonium, Trombone and Bass Guitar.  during this period Lyndon also developed experience as a Sound Engineer.

In 1992 Lyndon joined Sheffield Universities music department under Peter Parkes and David Hirst. In 1994 he gained a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (Directing) and in 1995 achieve his BA(hons) from Sheffield University.

Lyndon's conducting experience includes Scotter Silver, South Yorkshire Police Band, Frickly South Elmsal, Abergavenny and Lewis Merthyr. Lyndon is a Lecturer in Music Technology for Coleg Gwent at Ebbw Vale.

Lyndon has already put the band through the Swansea Test Piece 'Dark Side of the Moon' and there is already a good rapport between Band and MD.

Welcome to the Band Lyndon, here's to a successful 2008.