Roger Webster will make a surprise return to the brass band contesting arena on the weekend by playing repiano cornet for Brighouse & Rastrick at the Yorkshire Regional Championships.

Unable to play

The band's regular repiano cornet player, Alex Francis is unable to play due to him conducting Barnsley Metropolitan Band on the same day as part of his responsibilities as Head of Brass & Woodwind for Barnsley Music Service.

Alex told 4BR: "Last year was difficult, but was manageable as I conducted on the Saturday and Brighouse were playing on the Sunday. This year though the Fourth Section and the Championship Section are next to each other on the same day, so with all the rehearsals etc it was impossible for me to both conduct and play."

Roger has always been good to me, and supported me in many ways. They always say make sure your dep isn’t as good as you, so I think I may have made a bit of a mistake!Alex Francis

Luck

When Alex contacted former RNCM tutor Roger to talk about his dilemma, he couldn’t believe his luck when Roger offered to fill in for him.

Alex added: "Roger has always been good to me, and supported me in many ways. They always say make sure your dep isn’t as good as you, so I think I may have made a bit of a mistake!"

Glad to help

Roger is glad to help out his former pupil, although is as busy as ever with his regular teaching, professional trumpet work and appearances as a cornet soloist.

Roger told 4BR: "There’s a couple of my former pupil’s playing at B&R now. Alex is a really good musician and a good guy, so it was a pleasure to help him out on this occassion. I wish him and Barnsley Metropolitan all the best too."