The current Welsh, British Open, European and Brass in Concert Champion, Cory have announced that principal cornet Ian Williams will be leaving the band at the end of the year.

20 years

Ian has served Cory as principal cornet for twenty years, and in that time has led the band to victory at all the major competitions.

Ian is an employee of the South Wales Fire Service and since receiving promotion eighteen months ago has found the balance between band, work and home difficult.

Tribute

Bob Childs paid tribute to Ian, telling 4BR: "Ian is a model bandsman and a truly great cornet player. He has always led the band by example both on and off the stage and he will be missed by everyone associated with Cory.

He added: "Ian is a perfectionist and if he can’t give one hundred percent he’s not happy. He has tried to leave the band on several occasions before due to pressure of work but I’ve always managed to persuade him to stay. However, this time I have conceded and accepted his decision to step down."

I've had twenty great years with my band and the last ten have been unbelievableIan Williams

Final appearance

Ian’s final contest appearance as Principal Cornet will be at the Brass In Concert before officially leaving the band on January 1st 2010, therefore completing twenty continuous years with the band.

Great memories

Speaking about his decision, Ian said: "I've had twenty great years with my band and the last ten have been unbelievable. The decision to leave wasn’t easy but as Bob has said I believe that if you are in a band you should give full commitment, and I don’t know any other way."

Ian went on to add: "I'm sad to leave but I've had some great musical memories to fall back on. Naturally I wish Cory all the success in the future and I’m hoping that my last performance will seal a Brass In Concert double."

Replacement

Ian’s replacement is Tom Hutchinson from Black Dyke.

Tom studied with Richard Marshall at the RNCM and has been a member of Black Dyke’s front row for the past four years. Tom has an impressive pedigree; he was a member of the NYBBGB and was leader on four courses and prior to playing at Black Dyke was principal cornet of Rothwell Band.

Thrilled

Commenting on his new appointment Tom told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to be the new principal at Cory. It’s a chance for me to fulfil some of my lifelong ambitions and try to fill the boots of a cornet legend in Ian."

Fit in well

Bob Childs added: "I’ve known Tom for a long time, hearing him first at the NYBBGB and Black Dyke as well as spending some time with him at the International Summer School in Swansea this year. He’s a super player and a very nice guy. I’m sure he’ll fit in very well with us at Cory."

Tom’s first appearance with Cory will be on repiano cornet at BIC, deputising for Richard Davies who unfortunately has to miss the contest through illness. Tom will take up the principal seat in January in time for Cory's defence of their Welsh Regional title.