Romance helps brass band harmony

Band of gold - married couples make up over a third of the band

Five married couples are making sweeter music than most - they are all members of the same brass band.

Out of the 28 members of the Cory Brass Band based in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, 10 are married to each other.

The "bands of gold" have helped the ensemble hit the right notes as last year it was named number one in the World of Brass rankings.

Chairman Austin Davies said he had not witnessed any rows and it was easier to arrange accommodation for tours.

Cornet player Chris Turner, who married tenor horn player Lynne in 2001 and had a baby daughter with her last year, said he enjoyed sharing his passion for music with his wife.

"It just helps with the togetherness because we spend so much time together," he said.

It just makes life easier when we have to go to band rehearsals Travis Griffiths, married to Lucy

"And the commitment - we have got band twice a week and we're away most weekends doing concerts or recordings."

He went on: "I think it helps an awful lot to have your wife by your side and for my wife to have me by her side.

"We help each other when we're practicing."

Lucy Griffiths, who plays second tenor horn, married third cornet player Travis five months ago - and said the success of their marriage depended on them both being in the band.

"I don't think we could do it if we both weren't in the band," she said

"We would never see each other because we're so busy."

'Like-minded people'

Travis added: "It just makes life easier when we have to go to band rehearsals."

Mr Davies said it was not a problem having so many married band members.

"I look at them as individual players who all merit and warrant their place within the band," he said.

"I have never seen any rows within the band, fortunately and far from it being a problem, it helps, especially when we're away on accommodation and sorting out rooming lists, etc.

"I'm not worrying who I have to put with who sharing a room. They more or less fall into place unless they object and want to share with somebody else.

"But that hasn't happened yet!"

He added: "I think it's a case of like-minded people finding their own individuals within the brass band fraternity and then finally falling in love together."

The band was the World of Brass no 1 ranked band last year.