Monday 19 February 2007
Summary by John Jenkins, Choir Musical Director
The BTM Brass Band maintained its recent good form to win the Miners Eisteddfod Entertainment Contest at Porthcawl's Grand Pavilion at the weekend. Adjudicator John Berryman awarded the Band the first prize of £1000 and the solid silver CISWO Challenge Trophy. Percussionist Richard Cartlidge, aged 13, was also awarded the Rosemary Deere Shield (Mayor of Bridgend County) for the youngest player on the day.
MD Jason Katsikaris said "It's a tremendous result for the Band. I felt very proud of the Band's performance and feel that all the hard work is beginning to pay off. It was also especially rewarding that Richard Cartlidge received the award for the youngest player on the day at the age of thirteen - an excellent achievement to be part of a winning band in the championship section at such a young age."
4barsrest.com commented "The honours though went to BTM who showed that 2007 holds much promise if they can continue to progress under the direction of the exciting Jason Katsikaris"
The BTM Brass Band can be seen at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Friday, 2nd March 2007 when it participates in the St David's Festival Gala Concert, jointly promoted by Bridgend Male Choir and Cancer Research Wales. Both the Band and the Choir are delighted to have Laura Smith in their ranks. Laura is a student at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and is both a percussionist with the Band and Deputy Accompanist with Bridgend Male Choir. She is another example of the huge musical talent which abounds in Wales.