Sellers International Youth Band has announced that their principal cornet player Jamie Smith is to expand his skills to conducting.

15 year old Jamie has started conducting the Sellers 'Little Acorns' — the organisation's s new training band.

Aim

Sellers MD, Alex Kerwin told 4BR: "It was always my intention after getting the training band established that I would hand over the reins to someone new, preferably one of the existing youth band members.

Some of the youth band have been involved with mentoring and tutoring the youngsters right from the formation of the band. After careful thought I have asked Jamie to take over this role and also have appointed Tom Slywkanycz as assistant conductor."

Jamie has the quality of being able to communicate effectively to the young players in a friendly but also informative wayAlex Kewin

Quality

Alex added: "Jamie has the quality of being able to communicate effectively to the young players in a friendly but also informative way. I’m absolutely certain that the new regime will be successful. Encouraging youngsters to explore new skills and take on more responsibility is very important to us at Sellers."

Even at such a tender age the young cornet star is building quite a name for himself as a player and soloist — currently also playing as principal cornet of Hammonds Saltaire Band.