National champions Black Dyke has announced the signing of two new percussionists.

Student

Sam Tunstall is in his first year of a Bachelor of Music course at the Royal Northern College of Music. He was a member of the RNCM Junior School for over four years and has been Principal Percussionist of the National Youth Wind Orchestra.

Sam will be playing with the band at the European Championships in Linz later this week.

A levels

Meanwhile, Ashley Clegg joins from Newstead Band. He will be fulfilling his contest obligations with them until the end of June, but has been appearing in concerts with Black Dyke during April.

Only 17, Ashley is still completing his A levels, and plans to go to Music College after school. He is currently the Principal Percussionist of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Sam and Ashley are outstanding prospects and will work closely with Andrea Price and Paul Lovatt-Cooper in ensuring a strong delivery from a team of immense importanceDr Nicholas Childs

Outstanding prospects

Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Sam and Ashley are outstanding prospects and will work closely with Andrea Price and Paul Lovatt-Cooper in ensuring a strong delivery from a team of immense importance."

He added: "For the past decade the band has had a stable team of percussionists and I would also like to acknowledge Lee Skipsey and Neil Edwards who have been real stalwarts and excellent bandsmen for Black Dyke."