The Foss Dyke band will shortly be saying farewell to principal cornet player Chris Hart as he begins his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music.

The band has wished Chris well and has thanked him for his fine contribution to the band over the past few years.

A formal announcement of Chris's replacement will be made shortly.

We are now having enjoyable and well-attended rehearsals and our MD Paul Murrell is working us hard and moulding us into a compact and happy bandRick Anker

New changes

Meanwhile there have been other personnel changes.

Sasha Grau, Foss Dyke Academy's 'Most Outstanding Player' may be moving at last onto flugel horn, whilst young Evan Key and the experienced Simon Challender are moving within the band to fill the recently vacated horn positions.

Recent new arrivals include 14 year old Bradley Hanson on cornet with his mum, Melody, coming on euphonium.

Optimistic

Another talented young player, Ed Roberts, also joins on euphonium, whilst Kay and Wayne Lupton return to the band on cornet and soprano.

All in all there is an optimistic mood within the band as principal trombone, Rick Anker told 4BR. "We are now having enjoyable and well-attended rehearsals and our MD Paul Murrell is working us hard and moulding us into a compact and happy band."