Soprano star Steve Stewart has made a quick change of Welsh banding home following the news that British Open champions Cory have secured his services after a short but successful tenure at Tredegar.

Excited

The former Kirkintilloch player who recently won the ‘Best Soprano’ prize with Tredegar at Brass in Concert, told 4BR: "I’m extremely excited about the many challenges ahead and the prospect of sitting as soprano for the great Cory Band."

Cory MD was also happy that they had managed to persuade Steve to move west across the South Wales valleys.

Delighted

Bob Childs told 4BR: "I’m delighted to welcome Steve to Cory. His experience and considerable talent will lift the band to a new plateau in concert work and the contest field."

Meanwhile, Band Manager Austin Davies added: "This is great news for Cory. We nearly signed him for the Open this year. I’m glad we got our man in the end."

I’m delighted to welcome Steve to Cory. His experience and considerable talent will lift the band to a new plateau in concert work and the contest fieldMD, Bob Childs

Thanks

Commenting on his new position, Steve was quick to thank Tredegar and in particular, Ian Porthouse for the opportunity of playing with them and for their friendship over the past few months.

He also wanted to thank everyone at the Kirkintilloch organisation for the many great years he spent with them and wished both Tredegar and Kirkintilloch every success in the future.

Scotch double

There was also other Scottish inspired good news for the band too, as horn player Ailsa Russell has won the 2011 Aspiring Youth Award in her home region of Angus in Scotland.

The award recognises the county’s young people (aged 25 years and under) who, through their achievement and ambition, have the potential to shape the future of Angus and by example are an inspiration to their peers.

Ailsa, from Carnoustie is a student as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and was recently awarded the Harry Mortimer Memorial Trust Brass Student of the Year.