A NEW music director with a great pedigree has blown in for a 188-year-old town band.

Blaenavon Town Band, formed in 1833, has secured the services of Dr Christian Jenkins, who helped steer Briton Ferry Silver Band from the third to the first tier.

Having played a brass instrument from the age of 11, Christian took an early interest in conducting and became the musical director of Briton’s band in 2003.

He steered them through one of the most successful periods in their history, gaining promotion and overseeing the band’s centenary celebrations in 2010.

Christian has subsequently worked with many bands throughout South Wales, but still maintains a close association with Briton Ferry as a player.

A Blaenavon Town band spokesperson said: “It is fantastic news that someone of Christian’s calibre and experience has agreed to conduct the band as it starts to rebuild, and we are very much looking forward to working with him to consolidate our strong core of players and develop the potential of our younger players.”

Christian said: “I’m delighted to be taking up the conductorship at Blaenavon Town Band.

“Having worked with them a few times in the past, I’m very much looking forward to rekindling the relationship, and strong rapport we shared.

“The band committee and I have already been discussing our shared vision for the future and have some exciting ideas as to how we take things forward.

“The band is one with a proud and rich history, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this next chapter!’

Christian picks up the baton from Blaenavon-born and bred David Langley, who has headed off to teach at the British International School in Dubai.

David, who had been associated with the band since the age of seven, led them to third place at the 2018 Welsh National Eisteddfod on the stage of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

Senior rehearsals begin again tomorrow (Thursday, September 30) and the band would love to hear from anyone interested in joining as either a senior or junior player or administrator.

The spokesperson said: “Our junior band, taken by the experienced Evan Smith, has carried on through the tough lockdown months on Zoom and is having a showcase event to celebrate what they have learnt at 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 5 at the Constitutional Club.”

If anyone would like more information, the band can be contacted via its Facebook page.