Directed by MD Chris Wormald, Smithills Senior Band got their new concert season off to the best possible start with a standing ovation at the New Wales Theatre in Llandudno last weekend.

New principal

Led for the first time by 13 year old principal cornet Elizabeth Tonge, Smithills received the accolade from the audience of over 700 people packed into the North Wales venue.

Led for the first time by 13 year old principal cornet Elizabeth Tonge, Smithills received the accolade from the audience of over 700 people packed into the North Wales venue4BR

Break

Having only returned from the Summer break for their first rehearsal in early September, Smithills took to the Llandudno stage after only 16 days together, with no fewer than four new principal players, all aged just 13.

New items

The delighted audience were treated to a number of new arrangements made especially for the band by the MD, including the Toto hit 'Africa', 'Rule The World', 'Have I told You Lately?' and 'It’s Not Unusual' — the latter two items given solo premieres by Elizabeth Tonge and principal trombone Sam Hindley-Birchall.