Regent Brass has announced the signing of two new players ahead of their London & Southern Counties Regional challenge in Stevenage in March.

Trombone and tuba

Joining on bass trombone is Phil Barnes, who comes to the band having enjoyed playing with the Luton Band in the top section in the past. Also re-joining from Aveley & Newham is Alan Howard on Bb Bass.

Farewell

Unfortunately the band has to bid farewell to their principal trombonist, Tetsuro Okamura, who is returning home to Japan at the end of February.

Stepping up to take over the role is second trombone, Tom Price, with Paul van Uden making the switch from the bass trombone seat to second.

Tetsu became a very popular member of the band and a good friend to us all, so we will be very sad to see him leaveMD, Alan Duguid

Huge asset

MD Alan Duguid told 4BR: "Tetsu has been a huge asset to the band over the last year and a half, winning ‘Best Soloist’ prizes at the DFDS Seaways Contest, SCABA Entertainment Contest and SCABA Autumn Contest.

Tetsu became a very popular member of the band and a good friend to us all, so we will be very sad to see him leave. Our new signings in Phil and Alan though have already strengthened the ranks, so we can look forward to another great contesting year."