Meet some of the team
Philip Anthony
Musical Director
Having learned clarinet in school, Phil joined the army as a musician and served for 7 years with the Royal Regiment of Wales which sparked an interest in musical arranging and composition which in turn would go on to play a significant part in his life.
Phil learned saxophone whilst working in London and upon returning to Wales met Bill Davies (one of the founder members of the Constellation) and joined Bill's own orchestra where he continued to compose and arrange for the then Bridgend College Orchestra.
He then took to the high seas travelling the world for a couple of years performing as a ship's musician. After a brief 4 year migration to New Zealand playing for shows in the local Auckland areas and performing with ensembles including the Manukau Concert Band, Auckland Symphony Orchestra and a major roll with the Off Broadway Big Band.
Upon returning to Wales Phil was proud to be called upon to join the Constellation as Musical Director, a position which he thoroughly enjoys. When not furiously waving his arms around, Phil still enjoys composing and arranging as well as playing with several other bands and groups including his own saxophone quartet Saxes4You.
David Adrian Jones
Band Manager
Known in the business as "Sos" - David Adrian has been playing trombone since he was a teenager. As a youngster, a keen ‘Eisteddfodwr’ competitor and an Urdd National Eisteddfod winner in both singing and recitation, he grew up in Pontyberem where his father was Police Sergeant.
He has been actively involved with Constellation Band for about 30 years as a player and as Secretary, Treasurer, and Manager, and has toured with the band both in the UK and Europe.
He is a playing member of the Ammanford Town Silver Band and also a Trustee.
A regular member and player with the Steve Price Big Band, the Phoenix Dance Band as well as many other bands.
Contact 'Sos' for information about the band and booking inquiries.
Angharad Sanders
Vocalist
Angharad’s love and passion for music began at a very young age as a woodwind player in Carmarthen. Since then, she has been privileged to work as a musical director and vocal coach with many professional companies and high level training centres, including: Italia Conti, Sylvia Young, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, ACA (Cork) and Stagedoor Manor (New York).
Her credits as musical director include: Madagascar The Musical (UK tour), Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate), the award winning production of “Avenue Q” (Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate) and Steel Pier (Union Theatre, European Premiere).
As a vocalist, Angharad has worked with many bands as both a session singer and resident vocalists, these include: the My Live Music Big Band, Spice Fusion and Big Brother winner Pete Bennet.
Since returning to her homeland to have her son in 2018 Angharad has reopened her own performing arts school, Limelight, offering singing and performing arts teaching across South and West Wales. She is extremely excited to be able to sing with the incredible Constellation Big Band. The band have all been so welcoming and supportive, it’s a true honour to perform with them.
Chris Richards
Vocalist
Chris has loved music all his life and joined his first beat group at the age of 14. Back in the 70’s and 80’s he was drummer and backing singer in a cabaret trio called 'Three Good Reasons' performing in clubs and venues throughout Wales - frequently on the bill with acts such as Max Boyce and The Searchers. Chris has also held many long term club residencies as drummer over the years playing for both dancing and cabaret.
He has a love of theatre and has performed with many local music and play societies. He joined Brynmawr Amateur Operatic Society (now renamed as Brynmawr Musical Theatre Company) in 1970 and has remained with them ever since. He is currently secretary for the society and has taken countless leading roles over the past fifty years such as Arthur Kipps in 'Half A Sixpence', Horace Vandergelder in 'Hello Dolly' and more recently Jim Fenner in 'Bad Girls The Musical'.
Chris started coming to Constellation Big Band rehearsals with his son Ben (the current drummer) back in 2015 and when Paula, their long standing vocalist, decided to call it a day, he offered his services. His first public gig with the band was for Neath Jazz on Thursday 19th May 2016. He says that, not only does he really love singing with band, but also enjoys the atmosphere and all the fun and banter.