by Gwydion Davies | 28 December, 2023
Rhys Evans is a Drummer with over 15 years of experience playing in the Welsh music industry (including in bands ‘I Fight Lions’, ‘Patryma’, and with ‘Hywel Pitts’). During this time he’s played notable performances for events including the Yes Cymru movement, televised Ystafell Fyw for S4C, a TV program ‘Curadur’, as well as playing alongside We Are Scientists, at Wakestock, Focus Wales, Maes B, and Maes C, the National Eisteddfod, and at the Cymdeithas Yr Iaith- Hanner Cant Festival, etc. He also currently works as a freelance session musician across the UK, in and out of the studio.
He’s not only been through the Rock School exams himself, but has completed a BMUS degree in Popular Music Performance (graduating class of 2021) where he gained proficiency in a wide and diverse variety of styles – including rock, metal, jazz, pop, etc., as well as in live performance. This inspired his passion to teach drumming, tailoring the experience to each student’s musical interests and needs – no matter their age or ability.
by Gwydion Davies | 28 December, 2023
by Gwydion Davies | 27 December, 2023
Graham started drumming from an early age, and shortly after leaving Sir Hugh Owen School in Caernarfon started playing Semi-professionally in local bands, travelling all over Britain learning his craft. Graham moved to Cardiff in the early eighties to play professionally, doing countless Concerts, television, radio, and recording sessions which he still does to this day.
During his time in Cardiff, Graham was travelling back and forth to London to see his Drum Tutor and mentor Robbie France, a world class drummer born in Australia. Here is a short list of artists from Graham’s discography. The Drifters, B.B.C Orchestra, Bryn Terfel, Cerys Matthews, Rhys Meirion, Meic Stevens, Caryl Parry Jones, John Owen-Jones and the list goes on.
He has been a member of Bryn Fôn a’r Band since the mid-nineties recording several best-selling albums. Graham teaches drums from grade 1 to grade 8 and has been with us for fourteen years.
by Gwydion Davies | 27 December, 2023
Dr Dewi Ellis Jones comes from Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, but now lives in Bontnewydd. He graduated with a BMus from the University of Wales, Bangor in 2001 followed by an MA degree, and gained an LRSM diploma from the Royal Schools of Music. He has been awarded a Doctorate in Performance and Composition, having studied with Simone Rebello, Dr Pwyll ap Sion and with world renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
Dewi is the first full time solo percussionist in Wales and he is also a busy free-lance orchestral and brass band player. He is Principal Percussionist with Ensemble Cymru who were short listed for the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Music Society Award in 2006.
He is a tutor at the William Mathias Music Centre and teaches Percussion at the University in Bangor. In 2001 he won the Grace Williams Memorial Prize for Composition at the Urdd Festival. Dewi gained a sponsorship scholarship from S4C to assist in developing his talent as a performer. Dewi is married to Einir Wyn Hughes, who is a professional harpist. They have one daughter, Ela Non.
