The Members of Abergavenny Borough Band
Musical Director: Lana Tingay
Lana’s love for music began in earnest at the age of 12, when she started to learn the tenor horn with tuition from Rochdale Music Service; and she has never looked back.
In her formative years, Lana played for a range of bands including Kingsway Youth Band (1975-1981), Stalybridge Band (1981-1987) and Rochdale Band (1987-1999). During this period, she also started conducting the Kingsway Junior Band
In 1984 Lana took up the post of Musical Director with Friezland Band in Saddleworth, where she spent more than 20 happy years; taking the band to the National Finals and on several international tours. Lana has also adjudicated on many occasions at youth solo and national entertainment competitions.
Before moving to South Wales in 2007, Lana worked as a peripatetic teacher for Tameside and Rochdale Music Services and continues in this role today with Gwent Music Services. Her professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Music and a BA (with Honours) degree in Brass Band Studies.
In 2009, after a successful spell with Newbridge Celynen Band, Lana joined Abergavenny Borough Band as a cornet player and to conduct and tutor the training and youth bands. 10 years on, Lana remains committed to developing and motivating the many enthusiastic and energetic young people associated with the band.
Lana’s music making also reaches overseas. For over 20 years, Lana has been taking brass groups to Menorca during the Easter period to support the island’s religious ceremonies and raising money for charities supported by Rotary International.
Closer to home, Lana was appointed initially as Abergavenny’s resident conductor and Associate Musical Director in 2012. More recently, Lana accepted the position of Musical Director for the Borough Band, a role which she is, unsurprisingly, very dedicated to and passionate about.
Band President: Chris Woodhouse
It is my great privilege and pleasure to be the Honorary President of the Borough Band, following in the footsteps of a great supporter Mr. Alun Griffiths and his predecessor the late Mr. Ray Hill who both showed dedication and love of the band and all that it stands for.
I have only been President since 2019, but these recent years have proved to be the most difficult in the Band’s long history. COVID restrictions on rehearsals and performances have been most challenging, but have been met with the most remarkable determination and dedication. Social distancing and limits on numbers have been overcome by our leadership team, proving that whatever obstacles that seem insurmountable, we have amongst us solid professional people determined that the show must go on.
As a former Mayor of Abergavenny, I am always aware of the feelings of the people of our town. To be in the town centre on Saturday mornings when the band, albeit in reduced numbers, is playing is a joy for us all. Live music helped fill the spirit of locals and visitors and to see young people who perhaps do not recall seeing and hearing live music gives us all a lift.
This coming year will not be the easiest, the Town Hall venue might not be ready for the Annual concert, but I know the band is working hard to find an alternative.
Whatever faces us, the Band, as it has done for over a hundred years, will carry on.
Well done to everyone.
Band Chairman:Terry Prosser
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Terry has been a member of the band since 2010. He has played in Blaina, Markham, Ebbw Vale, BTM & Tredegar bands over the years starting with Blaina Band at the age of 11. He has played a wide range of instruments and now plays Eb Tuba. A committed supporter of Abergavenny Borough Band he sees it as his final resting place in the Brass Band world
Band Secretary:Megan Prosser
Megan has been associated with the band since her husband Terry joined. Meg is a retired schoolteacher and full-time grandmother. A keen supporter of Abergavenny Band and its members, Meg took on the role of secretary in November 2014 and is actively involved in all aspects of the band's administration.
Enquiries regarding engaging the band for your concert performance or events can be made to Megan here
Band Librarian and Treasurer: Fiona Evans
Fiona's association with the band began when her partner, Richard, and daughter, Erin, joined the band. She volunteered to take on the position of Librarian back in 2016 managing the band's extensive library of music. Organising, filing, finding lost music and managing the database was quite a challenge, but in 2019 Fiona also took on the role of Treasurer so the band keeps her very busy!
Fiona has also helped out on percussion and has played at several championship rounds with the band. A combination of terrifying and exiting - but something she never thought she would have the chance to do.
"I love being involved with the band. Sitting in the library listening to the rehearsals, seeing the junior band members improving and working up to the senior band over the years has been wonderful to see. The variety of music played and the welcoming and friendly nature of everyone in the band and on the committee makes this a very rewarding team to be a part of."