Members Area
*Latest Members Area Update: May 15th
*Current repertoire also updated May 21st - click here for full list |
*Latest Engagements Area Update: May 15th
Please ensure all updated 2023 dates are correct and added to diaries |
- 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
- 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
Uniform for percussion is all-black
*Please carry stage jackets in the uniform covers, available in the bandroom, at all times
*If you require any items of uniform, see Rhiannon
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
- 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
Uniform for percussion is all-black
*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
Wednesday June 28
From Washington to Wales
with Tacoma Concert Band (Seattle, Washington, USA)
St Elvan's, Aberdare
7:30pm
August 5 | 6
National Eisteddfod of Wales
Entertainments Programme
DRAFT Programme
- Back to the Future [4:00] - Smile [3:35] Soloist: Mark Wilkes - A Spin Through Moscow [2:45] www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q8ewXCg5Zk - Misty Mountains Cold (from The Hobbit) [2:55] www.youtube.com/watch?v=deytSvL81KU - Finale from The Lone Ranger [5:20] Total: c.18:35 |
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September 4 to 11
Estes Park International Tattoo
Colorado, USA
www.epitattoo.com
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.£585 at present)
For further information on the Tattoo and wider festival, visit www.epitattoo.com and www.scotfest.com
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.£585 at present)
For further information on the Tattoo and wider festival, visit www.epitattoo.com and www.scotfest.com
Saturday October 21st
Oriana Festival
St Elvan's, Aberdare
Evening Gala Concert
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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
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

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
Ice Castles
Frozen
Skyfall
Jurassic Park
Superman
It's Not Unusual
E.T.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Star Wars
Jingle Bells
The Glory of Christmas
Saturday December 9th
St Elvan's, Aberdare
with Dare To Sing Ladies Choir
Carol: Hark the Herald
Town Church School Choir
Walking in The Air
Dare To Sing Ladies Choir
Santaclaustraphobia
Schneewalzer
Town Church School Choir
Symphonic Highlights from Frozen
Dare To Sing Ladies Choir
A Christmas Fantasy
Carol: O Come All Ye Faithful
Town Church School Choir
Walking in The Air
Dare To Sing Ladies Choir
Santaclaustraphobia
Schneewalzer
Town Church School Choir
Symphonic Highlights from Frozen
Dare To Sing Ladies Choir
A Christmas Fantasy
Carol: O Come All Ye Faithful
Sunday 10th & 17th December
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 |
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For dates of all additional engagements to date, visit www.lewismerthyrband/engagements
2024
Saturday February 17th TBC
Welsh Open Entertainments Championships
Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Entertainments Programme - The Lord of the Rings
- Intro: Gandalf
- Hobbits
- Gollum's Song
- Misty Mountains Cold
- Finale: Gandalf
- Intro: Gandalf
- Hobbits
- Gollum's Song
- Misty Mountains Cold
- Finale: Gandalf
Saturday March 16th
Welsh Regional Championships
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Test-Piece: TBA
13:00 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*
2023 Contest Timings
15:00 Draw
16:30 Band Number 1 backstage
17:00 Band Number 1 commences. Total number of bands are detailed below
Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE
Curry Timings
20:30 Panshee, Swansea
29 Singleton St, Swansea SA1 3QN
pansheeswansea.co.uk
Menu
pansheeswansea.co.uk/menu
13:00 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*
2023 Contest Timings
15:00 Draw
16:30 Band Number 1 backstage
17:00 Band Number 1 commences. Total number of bands are detailed below
Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE
Curry Timings
20:30 Panshee, Swansea
29 Singleton St, Swansea SA1 3QN
pansheeswansea.co.uk
Menu
pansheeswansea.co.uk/menu
2023 Welsh Regional Result & Final Rankings
Ebbw Valley 4R + 2 + 1 = 7 [PROMOTED]
BTM 1 + 3 + 4 = 8 Beaumaris 4 + 4 + 2 = 10 Goodwick 4R + 4R + 3 = 11 Lewis Merthyr 4 + 4 + 5 = 13 Burry Port 4R + 4R + 7 = 15 Parc & Dare 5 + 5 + 6 = 16 Deiniolen 3 + 6 + 8 = 17 Markham 4P + 7 + 9 = 20 [RELEGATED] www.wrbbc.co.uk/grading-tables |
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DRAFT 2024 Grading Table
Beaumaris 4 + 2 = 6
BTM 3 + 4 = 7 Goodwick 4R + 3 = 7 Abergavenny 4P + 4P = 8 Northop 4R + 4R = 8 Lewis Merthyr 4 + 5 = 9 Burry Port 4R + 7 = 11 Parc & Dare 5 + 6 = 11 Deiniolen 6 + 8 = 14 www.wrbbc.co.uk/grading-tables |
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: |
Daily Practice Routine - Chris Turner

Daily Practice Routine | |
File Size: | 5300 kb |
File Type: |
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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*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
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