Fonds GB 0210 GILGRIF - Papurau Gilmor Griffiths,

Gilmor Griffiths was best known as a music teacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, 1956-1982, as a conductor, composer and arranger of music. He was born on the 7th of September 1917, in Ponciau, near Wrexham, to Thomas and Elizabeth Griffiths. He had one sister, Gwyneth. He was educated at the village school of Ysgol y Ponciau and then Ruabon Grammar School. He attended Bangor Normal College, 1936-1939 where he trained as a teacher. After the end of the Second World War, he began his career as a music teacher at Ysgol Grango, Rhos, 1946-1956. In 1956 he was appointed by Dr Haydn Williams (Flintshire's Director of Education), as Head of Music and Choir Master at Glan Clwyd High School. He remained there until his retirement in 1982. He married his first wife Elizabeth Davies (Beti), in December 1942, at Capel Seion, Ponciau, Rhosllannerchrugog. They had three daughters, Jennifer, Sian and Bethan. He married his second wife, Vera Williams, a school teacher, in Llithfaen, in October 1975 and then settled in Henllan. He was devoted to his music. It was important to him that every child had the opportunity to discover their musical talents. Much of his work was composed, adapted and arranged especially for school children. He was adjudicator and accompanist at eisteddfodau, and played organ in the church. His work includes solo pieces, choir, brass bands, orchestra, harps, folk tunes and hymns. Gilmor Griffiths' was influenced greatly by his religious beliefs. He composed, wrote, adapted or arranged a number of hymns and Christmas carols. Many were performed by the Choirs of Ysgol Glan Clwyd in their school concerts, especially Christmas concerts at St Asaph Cathedral. Under his leadership the choir recorded two albums, 'Ganwyd Crist i'r Byd' in 1975 and 'Nos Nadolig Yw' in 1981; both released on the Sain (Records) label. His love of the festive season would earn him the nickname 'Mr Christmas'. Gilmor was an active member of the Welsh Folk Song Society, and President and Chairman of Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru where he was also the musical editor of Allwedd y Tannau. He was responsible for producing the music for the Medieval Banquets held at Ruthin Castle and was Directorof Mucic for the Rhyl Opera Association. His published works include: Caneuon Newydd i Ysgolion, Cyf. III. Hughes a’i Fab, Wrexham, 1960; Gilmora : 15 o alawon cerdd dant. Y Lolfa, 1984; Hwyl ar y gân: 7 o ganeuon i blant. Y Lolfa 1984; Y pren afalau : unawd / words by I. D. Hooson. Y Lolfa 1984; Breuddwydion : unawd / words by I. D. Hooson. Y Lolfa 1984; Carolau Gilmor. Y Lolfa 1991; Gwylanod [words by] H. D. Healy. Y Lolfa 2010; Ave Maria : in A♭ major; [words by Rhydwen Williams]. Y Lolfa, 2014; Lliwiau'r hydref; [words by] Dorothy Jones. Y Lolfa 2014. Gilmor Griffiths died on 11 July 1985 in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, he was 67 years old. He was buried in Llithfaen near Pwllheli, on 17 July 1985.