Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced the signing of horn player Sheona White.

Contest debut

The former YBS and Foden’s player will make her contesting debut at the British Open at Symphony Hall in Birmingham in September, whilst her first concert appearances with the band will take place in August on their tour of Switzerland under the direction of James Gourlay.

We are only concerned with one thing when it comes to players – quality — and none come better for us than SheonaBand Manager, Terry Webster

World's best

Band Manager Terry Webster told 4BR that the arrival of Sheona confirms Grimethorpe’s ambition to sign the very best players in the banding world.

"Sheona is one of the world’s finest horn players and the opportunity to sign her for the band underlines Grimethorpe’s musical ambitions. Professional MD Allan Withington and everyone associated with the band is delighted that we have been able to attract a musician of such calibre."

First female player

Sheona will become the first female player to perform at a contest with the band in its 103 year history, leaving Brighouse & Rastrick as the only British Open competitor currently not to contain a female player in its ranks.

"Grimethorpe is a band that is very much focussed on the future," Terry added. "We are only concerned with one thing when it comes to players – quality — and none come better for us than Sheona."