When Stannington play at the Yorkshire Area Championship in Bradford next month there will be a rising star in their principal trombone seat.

Multi talented

14 year old Lewis Bettles, joined the band in 2008 as third percussionist, but soon the multi talented musician earned his stripes at concerts and contests, performing xylophone and trombone solos with a confidence and proficiency that many of his older counterparts would envy.

RNCM

Playing since the age of 9, Lewis has a place at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music studying trombone and percussion as well attending school in Sheffield and working towards 11 GCSE’s.

Stannington is very fortunate to have such versatility within the band and this allows us more options when it comes to filling vacanciesMD, Derek Renshaw

Talents

His talents have not gone unnoticed by Musical Director, Derek Renshaw, who told 4BR: "Stannington is very fortunate to have such versatility within the band and this allows us more options when it comes to filling vacancies.

Lewis agreed to step up to the mark and take on principal trombone when Andrew Platts gave up his seat to move to bass trombone. Both players are doing a tremendous job and the band is stronger as a result."

More versatility

However, the versatility doesn’t end there.

Percussionists Nikki Turnbull and Tim Parris both took up brass instruments and turn out regularly with the Training Band on flugel horn and euphonium, whilst Training Band trombonist, Mikael Thery, has just signed up as 3rd percussionist for the senior band!