After winning the Pontins Championship fielding two soprano players, Marsden Silver will go one better at Skegness next weekend as they look to claim their first Butlins Mineworkers title.

Three sops

This time they will take to the stage with no less than three high wire specialists in the ranks – although just like Prestatyn, MD Glyn Williams has made sure his innovative decision is well within the rules.

Only one

In fact, there will be only one soprano player on the stage – but two of the best in the cornet ranks, as the band has announced the coup of signing former Brighouse & Rastrick soprano player Martin Irwin on assistant principal cornet and by bringing in the well known sop star Ian Twiss to help out on solo cornet.

Delighted

The MD is naturally delighted to have secured Martin’s signature: "Martin will be a huge asset to our forthcoming contest season," said Glyn. "Principal cornet Jason Evans is enjoying the development of the new cornet team, and Martin’s arrival is a further boost. With the rules allowing for two deps, we are also very fortunate to get Ian to help us out. He is a superb asset to have on a test piece like this."

The demanding soprano part will be in the safe hands of Dale Garner, who joined Marsden in the summer of 2010 and who has quickly developed into one of the band’s leading players. "Dale is developing brilliantly," Glyn added. "He’s a fine performer."

Principal cornet Jason Evans is enjoying the development of the new cornet team, and Martin’s arrival is a further boost

Signings

Marsden has also signed Paul Dale, who returns to the band on back row cornet after a spell with Leyland, Carwyn Waters who comes from Holme Silver and Neil Raisbeck, an RNCM student who takes the 1st horn seat. The bass section has been strengthened by the signing of Craig Mann on BBb and Samantha Minshall on EEb.

Even though the band will be concentrating on winning the Butlins title, thoughts will also turn to the title winning assault of 2nd baritone player Mike Cavanagh who has qualified for the semi finals of the BBC Young Brass Soloist which will be held the same weekend.

Keeping tabs

Glyn will be keeping his tabs on the 16 year old. "Marsden is very proud of his achievements and we wish him every success – it would be a great double if he can get through to the BBC Final and we pick up first prize."

Fortunately Mike’s older brother Steve, a student at the RNCM, is also a baritone player and has kindly stepped in to cover for his sibling.