One of the banding movement's most sought after players has made a move in a new musical direction, with the news that Virtuosi GUS has appointment 15 year old Thomas Fountain as their new flugel horn player.

Flugel

Thomas replaces Gary Wyatt who had originally taken some time off until the end of the year to enjoy the arrival of his first child with wife Libby.

Band Manager Mike Smith told 4BR: "Gary confirmed that if we found a player to appoint full time to the flugel seat he would happily step aside. Although he was intending to return in January, he felt due to his work and new family commitments it would be difficult for him to commit at the level required in a band such as Virtuosi GUS."

Inspired move

The decision to ask Thomas to play flugel at the National Finals in London has turned out to be an inspired one though, with his performance on ‘Breath of Souls’ receiving plaudits from listeners and critics alike.

Mike added: "Little did we realise what an impression Thomas would make on his ‘stand in’ performance. He played faultlessly, earning high praise from not only John Berryman and the adjudicators but also rapturous applause from the audience and the banding press.

When we spoke with Gary he was only too delighted to relinquish his seat for the next star of the now famous Fountain household."

He played faultlessly, earning high praise from not only John Berryman and the adjudicators but also rapturous applause from the audience and the banding pressBand Manager Mike Smith

Asset

Band Manager Shawn Pagington added: "Gary has been a fabulous asset to us over the last year or so and we are delighted that he remains a good friend of the band. We are sure it won’t be the last time Gary will be seen with Virtuosi GUS as he is such a wonderful musician.

In the meantime we wish both Gary and Libby the safe arrival of their baby in the coming days."