Leyland Band is pleased to announce the appointment of five new players.
Peter Shaw joins the band on Principal Cornet, having held the same position for many years with the BT Band (latterly Stockport Brass) until it’s cessation in 2009, a period during which it qualified for the British Open. He also enjoyed two spells with Fairey, including winning consecutive National Championship titles in 2002 & 2003. Commenting on his appointment, Peter said: “Having been asked to help Leyland at the recent Brass in Concert Championships, I was delighted to have then been asked to fill the principal cornet seat. I am really looking forward to returning to top flight banding!” Peter replaces Lucien Rey, who returns home to Switzerland at the end of 2014.
Joining the band on second horn is Zoe Wright. Zoe is principal tenor horn of both the Rochdale Borough Youth Band and the Greater Manchester Hub Youth Brass Band as well as being a member of the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, where, in summer 2014, she led the tenor horns as section principal. She was also recipient of the ‘youngest player’ award at the recent Brass in Concert Championships. “’I am very pleased to have been asked to join a band of Leyland’s stature at such a young age,” commented Zoe. “To be able to gain valuable experience and knowledge from such a friendly and talented group of people is a great opportunity!” Zoe replaces Tracey Daniel, who is taking a break from banding for personal reasons.
The vacant second trombone seat is filled by John Stevens, who lives in nearby Bamber Bridge. John, a graduate of the University of Salford, was formerly solo trombone at Freckleton Band and has also spent a period of time at NW rivals Foden’s. John said: “I am looking forward to working with Tom and Matt – I am sure we’ll make a fantastic team!”
The band also welcome two new faces to the percussion team, in the shape of Julia Bromiley and Anne Challinor.
Julia, formerly with neighbouring Eccleston Band is a ‘Leyland Local’, having been born and bred in the town. “I am the third generation of my family to play at Leyland,” explained Julia, “which now makes a family connection of more than half a century. I am really pleased and excited to have the opportunity to play with such a great band!”
Anne, a musician in the Band of the King’s Division, joins husband Tom (solo trombone) as they add Leyland rehearsals to their list of matrimonial activities! A former member of Black Dyke, Anne was equally pleased to be joining the Leyland team. “The band is such a friendly group,” she commented. “I’ve already been made to feel welcome and look forward to a successful time with the band”
“I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Peter, Zoe, John, Julia and Anne,” said Leyland Chairman Iain McKnight. “Their signings emphasise the band’s high musical standards and I am particularly pleased that this ‘intake’ includes experienced players as well as extremely talented ‘young stars’. This, in particular, sums up our approach and ethos at Leyland and really will strengthen our team as we prepare for the 2015 contesting season.”