www.lewismerthyrband.com
Lewis-Merthyr Band
  • About
    • Musical Director
    • Personnel
    • Donate with Amazon
  • News
  • Engagements
    • Book The Band
    • Tours >
      • Current Tours
      • Belgium 2019
  • Media
    • All Media
    • Audio
    • Video
    • Images
    • YouTube Channel
    • Downloads
    • Brass and Voices of Wales
    • The Glory of Christmas
  • History
    • Band History
    • Historical Images
    • Vintage Video
    • Conductors
    • The Collieries
  • Commissions
    • Commissions to date
    • Broadcasts
    • Significant Works
    • New Directions
    • Fulling Mill Lea
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Rehearsal Rooms
    • Constitution
    • Rules
    • Annual Awards
    • Life Members
    • Youth Band
    • Donate with Amazon

Members Area

*Latest Members Area Update: January 12th
​

*Sectionals added - additional sectional dates now required urgently
*Current repertoire - including Welsh Open programme - updated, click here

*Welsh Open draw and timings for day announced - scroll down for details
*Please adjust and place your pads in alphabetical order, then return all spare music to the bandroom. Thank you
​
*Sectional rehearsal dates are now urgently required. Section Principals, please coordinate with Band Manager
*Latest Engagements Area Update: December 30th
​

​Please ensure all 2023 dates are correct and added to diaries, including pre-contest rehearsals, the Mon, Wed & Fri prior to both the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championships

​- Engagements Diary
All current engagements are detailed www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements

*Dates in italic text are subject to confirmation
*If you cannot make any engagements or rehearsals, please let both Sam know
in advance. Thank You 
​
- Pre-Contest Rehearsals
- Rehearsals the week before every contest are Monday, Wednesday & Friday evening
- Please keep these free, in addition to the contest dates themselves
- Sectional rehearsals are always welcomed and can be arranged at any time
**Principals, please contact Craig or Paul to book in separate dates for your section for both the Welsh Open & Welsh Regional sectionals ASAP. Sectionals are required for Front Row & Soprano, Back Row, Horns, Euphs & Baris, Troms, Tubas and Percussion

- Uniform
- Dress for all engagements is:
Walking Out Uniform
All black with white shirt, band tie & black softshell jackets
Stage Uniform
All black with white shirt, band bow tie & stage jacket
*Please carry stage jackets in the uniform covers, available in the bandroom, at all times
*If you require any items of uniform, see Rhiannon


2023 Engagements

Saturday January 28th
Band Dinner
​Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd


​Full details and costings plus menu options TBC in January


www.bunchofgrapes.pub/menus
Picture

​Saturday February 18th
Welsh Open Entertainments Championships
Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Programme: A Day at the Movies

Programme

​- Back to the Future [c.4:00]
- Ice Castles [3:40]
Trumpet Soloist: Morgan Rees
- Chicken Run [3:35]
- Prelude: 49th Parallel [2:50]
- Finale from The Lone Ranger [5:10]

Total: c.19:15
Picture
Sectional Rehearsals

Front Row & Sop TBD
Back Row February 4th 12:00
Horns February 5th 10:00
Euphs & Baris February 4th 14:00
Troms February 7th 20:00
Tubas February 4th 16:00
Percs TBD


Contest Day Timings

Draw Number - 1

08:30 start
Pre-Contest Rehearsal
Rogerstone Bandroom


09:30
Pack down & Depart

10:00
Arrival at Newport
Suggested Parking - Friar's Walk (opposite venue) NP20 1EA

what3words.com/unions.spent.urban

10:20
Sign In Time at Venue
The Riverfront, Kingsway, Newport NP20 1HG

what3words.com/danger.grant.door

11:00
Performance


Full Draw
1 Lewis Merthyr
2 Parc & Dare
3 Filton
4 Pontardulais
5 Brunel
6 BTM
7 Llwydcoed

Break

​8 Tylorstown

9 Tongwynlais
10 Jackfield
11 Michelmarsh
12 Ebbw Valley
13 Burry Port
14 City of Cardiff

​Saturday March 18th
Welsh Regional Championships
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Test-Piece: A Day In The Life Of A Knight

Picture
Picture
Picture
Audio Recording
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16vUzUoB76ddBdKrczmJTCSmB5nayeyA1/view?usp=drive_web

Sectional Rehearsals

Front Row & Sop TBD
Back Row Thursday March 2nd 20:00
Horns TBD
Euphs & Baris TBD
Troms Tuesday February 28th 20:00
Tubas Sunday February 26th 16:00
Percs TBD


Contest Day Timings TBC

*2022 Timings below - 2023 to be confirmed as soon as draw time is known*
​

c.14:00 Rehearsal 

Briton Ferry Bandroom
nr. Vernon Place & Regent St West
Briton Ferry
Neath Port Talbot
SA11 2PL

Directions: 
goo.gl/maps/Xk9MbuooEzGJ1zs4A


The bandroom is located in Briton Ferry near the old Llansawel Primary School at Vernon Place. You can find it at the bottom of the lane whose entry is located near the meeting of Vernon Place and Regent St West, opposite the side gate of the old school building

*Please park on the main road - do not enter the lane to the bandroom itself*


Contest Timings
15:00 Draw

16:15 Band Number 1 backstage
16:45 Band Number 1 commences. Total number of bands are detailed below
Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE

Curry Timings
​19:30 Panshee, Swansea
29 Singleton St, Swansea SA1 3QN
pansheeswansea.co.uk

2022 Welsh Regional Result & Final Rankings

Pontarddulais 3 + 6 + 1 = 10 *Promoted*
BTM 7 + 1 + 3 = 11
Deiniolen 4 + 3 + 6 = 13
Ebbw Valley 5.5R + 5.5R + 2 = 13
Lewis Merthyr 6 + 4 + 4 = 14
Parc & Dare 6R + 5 + 5 = 16
Markham 5.5P + 5.5P + 7 = 18
Taff Vale 5.5P + 5.5P + 8 = 19
Newport 6P + 7 + 8 = 21 *Relegated
​
www.wrbbc.co.uk/grading-tables
Picture

2023 Rankings

BTM 1 + 3 = 4
Ebbw Valley 5.5R + 2 = 7.5
Lewis Merthyr 4 + 4 = 8
Burry Port 4.5R + 4.5R = 9 

Deiniolen 3 + 6 = 9
Abertillery 4.5P + 4.5P = 9
Parc & Dare 5 + 5 = 10
Markham 5.5P + 7 = 12.5
Taff Vale 5.5P + 8 = 13.5
​
www.wrbbc.co.uk/grading-tables
Picture

Saturday March 25th - 14:15
Saturday April 15th - 14:15
​Wales Six Nations Womens Rugby International Matches
Cardiff Arms Park

Picture
Detailed information and timings for each match will be added in due course

Please note:
- Parking is NOT available on site at the stadium
- Parking adjacent to RWCMD or in the area of the Museum / Law Courts is recommended
- Uniform is Walking Out for arrival and Stage Uniform for performance
- Cardiff Arms Park is an outdoor venue. Wearing a white T-shirt beneath your white shirt for warmth is recommended

*Please note, the matches are televised. There is NO gap between items. As you finish one piece, flip immediately to the next piece
* To enter the pitch, the band effectively splits down the middle, into conductor's left and right. The band enters the pitch in two rows. The left row is led by Soprano Cornet, continuing down the back row and into Bb basses, followed by Principal Cornet, down the front row, and into Flugel and Solo Horn. The right row is led by First Trombone, down the trombone row and into Eb Basses, followed by Euphoniums, Baritones and First & Second Horn
* To exit the pitch, the band all turn to your right and follow your semi-circle of Back Row, led by Soprano, then Tubas and Trombones on the right. Front Row, Horns, Baritones and Euphoniums leave simultaneously in one row on the left

Saturday May 20th
​Oriana Festival
St Elvan's, Aberdare

​Afternoon Recital & Album Launch
Burtch on Brass


​Programme

- Paean
- Overture: Pinocchio 
- Hiraeth
- Wind In The Willows: Mole & Mr Toad
- Spirit of Conflict
- Deep Harmony
Picture

Evening Gala Concert
with Deuos (Claire Jones, Harp | Chris Marshall, Percussion

Programme

- Williams: Fanfare & National Anthem [premiere]
​- Marshall: Fulling Mill Lea [UK premiere]
- Wood: Concerto for Harp & Brass Band
- Wood: Under Milk Wood Suite - Rum & Laverbread [premiere]
Picture

August 5 / 6 
National Eisteddfod of Wales
​Entertainments Programme TBD


September 4 to 11
Estes Park International Tattoo 
Colorado, USA
www.epitattoo.com

Picture
Picture
An invitation to the 2023 Estes Park International Tattoo in Colorado, USA has been confirmed

Accommodation, meals and surface transport in Colorado are all provided and further information and further information on these is available at www.epitattoo.com/cast-info *The password for access is EstesParkTattoo

​The cost to the individual members wishing to attend is return flight from London to Denver (c.£565 at present)

For further information on the Tattoo and wider festival, visit www.epitattoo.com and ​www.scotfest.com

Remembrance Sunday
Sunday November 12th
Bridgend Cenotaph

Seated Engagement
Arrive 10:00

Repertoire

​- Processional: I Vow To Thee My Country

- Hymns, as required
Parade Arrives, then As Parade re-positions:
- Hymn: O Valiant Hearts (Supreme Sacrifice)
Service

- Hymn: O God Our Help (No. 79 - 5 verses - Last 4 bars & 1 beat intro)
- Last Post & Reveille
Wreath Laying
​- Hymn For The Fallen
- Hymn: Abide With Me
(No. 29 - no intro - verses as required)
- Hymn: Eternal Father (No. 52 - 4 Verses - Last 4 bars & 1 beat intro)
National Anthems:
- God Save The Queen
- Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
Parade Departs

- Departure Music: I Vow To Thee My Country
- Hymns, as required

Remembrance Sunday
Sunday November 12th
​Tonyrefail School, Gilfach Rd, Tonyrefail, Porth CF39 8HG

Parade and Service
10:00 Meet Tonyrefail School
10:20 Form Up
10:30 Step Off
​

Route
Tonyrefail School to Trane Cemetery
9 minute march 

Parking
Tonyrefail School
Marching Procedure

​
Verbal Instruction: "Parade - Quick March"
Step Off without playing - Bass Drum only plays
Bass Drum continues "Left - Left - Left, Right, Left"
Arrive On Main Road - Bass Drum signal to start playing:
"Double Tap - Double Tap - Left, Right, Left - Left, Right, Left" - Play
March: Death or Glory
Bass Drum Signal at end of phrase to stop playing 
"Double Tap - Double Tap - Left, Right, Left"
STOP PLAYING BUT KEEP MARCHING
Bass Drum continues - "Left - Left - Left, Right, Left"
Keep Marching
Repeat March: Death or Glory, on Bass Drum signals, as required
At end of route, two syncopated Bass Drum signals then Double Tap to halt
Brief pause then single bass drum double tap to fall out Reposition to concert formation


Repertoire 

March:

Death or Glory
Service:
Hymn: Abide With Me
(No. 29 - 2 verses - Last 4 bars intro)
Last Post & Reveille
Wreath Laying:

*No Music Required
National Anthems
- God Save The Queen
​- Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
Departure Music:
- I Vow To Thee My Country

Christmas Carolling
Dec 1 to 24
​Various Locations

Christmas Carolling is undertaken in groups of six or more at multiple locations throughout December. It's one of the band's main sources of income, and - despite our relatively healthy bank balance at present - it's important we look ahead and keep that balance healthy. Carolling is also of course a good way to keep the band visible in, and supportive of, the local community

Details of all current dates can be found in the Engagements section of the website. Please contact Sam with availability via the Doodle Poll which will be placed here in November. Please give full availability in order that we can distribute the jobs fairly and evenly. You won't be asked to commit to every date you provide availability for

​Diolch | Thank you

A Christmas Night at the Movies
Thursday December 7th
​Tonyrefail School
with Tonyrefail School Choir & Soloists

Picture
Back to the Future
Ice Castles
Frozen

Skyfall
Jurassic Park

Superman
It's Not Unusual

E.T.
Pirates of the Caribbean

Star Wars
​Jingle Bells


Sunday 10th & 17th December TBC 
Two performances - 14:00 & 16:30
The Snowman - Live!
St Elvan's, Aberdare

​Wassail TBC
Santaclaustraphobia
Frozen
The Snowman - Full Score
Jingle Bells


www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans

Box Office: 0333 666 4466

For dates of all additional engagements to date, visit www.lewismerthyrband/engagements


Individual Practice Resources

Below are a few practice routines, courtesy of a few friends and colleagues, free to download
​Warming Up - Sion Rhys Jones
Straight Forward Warm Up Routine
File Size: 95 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


​Daily Practice Routine - Chris Turner
Daily Practice Routine
File Size: 5300 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Six hymns with play along backing tracks

The music and backing tracks can be downloaded from:
Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10lPpTvh1J87tx0qBtmGYqyqjszuc0UF2?usp=sharing
Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aha1hgz1iv0108z/AAAQoeVUPp4gfO5GeLymHpjja?dl=0


The accompaniment videos can be found in this YouTube playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiObarmr8IJ5gzv--FPIhlvD4eXBSrsJY

Backing tracks are also available (in both mp3 and WAV format) to play along with, or piano accompaniments for both Bb and Eb instruments are also included

Arban Cornet Method (Complete)
Click here to download free
​​
Recommended Exercises (page numbers below refer to the pages in the document, not the printed page numbers)
​
Pg 29 - No 47
Pg 30 - No 48
Pg 34 to 36 (single tonguing)
Pg 44 - No 38 (intervals)
Pg 47 to 49 (slurs)
Pg 50 (flexibilities)
Pg 67 (scales)
Pg 84 (chromatics)
Pg 99 (key signatures)
Pg 140 (triplets)
Pg 149 - No 45 & 46
Pg 150 & 155 (key signatures)
Pg 163 (triple tonguing)
Pg 183 (double tonguing)
Pg 293 onwards (studies & air varies)


Past Member Only Recordings

Saturday February 29th
Welsh Regional Championships
​Great Hall, Swansea University
Test Piece: Legacy

LMB live contest performance recording

2020 Results

1. BTM
2. Tylorstown
3. Deiniolen
4. Lewis Merthyr
​5. Parc & Dare
6. Pontarddulais
7. Newport
W Llanrug
www.wrbbc.co.uk/2020-results

Post-Contest 2021 Rankings

Tylorstown 3 + 5 + 2 = 10 PROMOTED
Deiniolen 4 + 4 + 3 = 11
BTM 6 + 7 + 1 = 14
Pontarddulais 5.5 + 3 + 6 = 14.5
Lewis Merthyr 5 + 6 + 4 = 15
Parc & Dare 5.5R + 6R + 5 = 16.5
Newport 5.5P + 6P + 7 = 18.5
Llanrug 8 + 9 + 8 = 25 RELEGATED
*Ebbw Valley relegated from Championship
*Markham and Taff Vale promoted from Second Section


Previous Recordings

Recordings of the band over the past few years can be found below
For video recordings of the band, visit the video section of the website here 
For the Brass & Voices of Wales disc, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd 

The Brass & Voices of Wales album is also now available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
Additional videos are available on the band's YouTube channel here

GBBA 2019 Recordings


Band Cymru 2018 Recordings


Band Cymru 2016 Recordings

01_home_of_legends.m4a
File Size: 6528 kb
File Type: m4a
Download File

02_whirlwind.m4a
File Size: 5040 kb
File Type: m4a
Download File

03_abide_with_me.m4a
File Size: 4800 kb
File Type: m4a
Download File

*As a larger file, the fourth track Peacemakers must be accessed for download via the Dropbox folder here or can be played online by clicking on the image above
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.