Gareth Owen takes on Grimethorpe flugel role
Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced that Gareth Owen has been appointed as the band’s Flugel Horn player. Gareth, a former student of the University of Huddersfield under Jim Shepherd and Phillip McCann, has an impressive track record with the band, having previously held the repiano cornet seat from 2000 to 2004, and most recently serving on the front row. Gareth commented, “I have always been proud to have played a small part in the history of this great band. I was absolutely delighted to re-join the band in March 2023, after a 19 year break, and I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to succeed such great players in the Flugel Horn position at Grimey.”
The band’s musical director, Ben Dixon said, “I am thrilled that Gareth has agreed to take on the Flugel Horn seat. Gareth has already proved himself to be a valuable asset to the band, having given a number of outstanding solo performances in recent concerts.” Gareth made his debut at concerts in Basingstoke and Scunthorpe and the band are looking forward to what the future will bring with Gareth sitting in one of the most exciting seats in banding. The band would like to officially thank Mark Walters, who recently made the difficult decision to leave the band. Mark has been a fantastic servant of the band since he joined the junior band in 1975, and Senior band in 1980.
