Tredegar’s percussion section had a very different look and sound to it at the recent Welsh Regional Championship contest in Swansea, as due to work and study commitments the regular team of Steve Barnett and Alex Evans were joined by two new recruits in Andy Russell (right) and Martijn Boom (far right).

Helping hands

19 year old Martijn, is studying percussion at the famous Amsterdam Conservatoire and was signed after MD Ian Porthouse contacted our friends at Brass Band Schoonhoven in The Netherlands, whilst Andy (who usually plays 3rd cornet) agreed to add to his instrument portfolio by helping out.

Amazingly, in the past three years Andy has played on four different instruments at major contests - BBb tuba, bass trombone, cornet and now percussion!  

Great band

And despite just missing out on helping the band win a 12th Welsh Championship title both men certainly enjoyed the experience, with Martijn saying: “Tredegar is a great band and make such a sound. They are fantastic players and friends. It would be great to come over and play again.”

Meanwhile, Andy also enjoyed adding yet another new experience to his contesting CV. “It was certainly different. It doesn’t matter to me what I play, as long as I can do it well enough. I may try soprano next!”

I can’t thank the lads enough.  Andy is an incredible bloke - the type every band should have.  I’m sure he could play every instrument in the band if we needed him to. It was also great to welcome Martijn who I’m sure is going to be an incredible professional player

Thanks

MD Ian Porthouse added: “I can’t thank the lads enough.  Andy is an incredible bloke - the type every band should have.  I’m sure he could play every instrument in the band if we needed him to.  

It was also great to welcome Martijn who I’m sure is going to be an incredible professional player. He fitted in perfectly and I’m sure he enjoyed himself. My thanks go to Schoonhoven for allowing him to come along and help us out.”