Bristol East & Kingswood Band has welcome four new players to the band.

Principal cornet

Chris Vickers, who is studying music at Bristol University, takes over the principal cornet seat from Andrew Campbell, who has left.

MD Ben Vleminckx told 4BR: "It's fantastic to have a player of Chris's calibre in the band and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Chris added: "I'm looking forward to playing in a brass band, chasing the elusive cornet sound and keeping up with the bass team at the bar!"

Students

Meanwhile, university students Katie Eddy and Lauren Hodge join on solo cornet and solo horn from Pendennis Brass, Falmouth, and Camborne Junior Contesting respectively.

The MD added: "It’s great to have a strong player like Katie in the cornet section and to work with Lauren again."

Katie said: "I’m excited to be part of a band again and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere has made this very easy."

Laureen added: "I’m also excited about being given the opportunity to play with the band and looking forward to successful concerts and contests in the near future."

Tuba

Finally, Andy joins on Bb Bass and returns to playing after a 15 year contesting break.

MD Ben Vleminckx added: "We have added real experience to the band here with Andy and its great he has chosen the band to make his comeback."

Andy added: "I’m looking forward to being a member of a hard working band with lots of summer engagements and contests in the calendar."

We welcome these recruits and look forward to enjoying the essential difference they will make to the sound and capability of the bandBand Chairman Tom Doughty

Pleased

Band Chairman Tom Doughty is also very pleased: "We welcome these recruits and look forward to enjoying the essential difference they will make to the sound and capability of the band as it moves forward to bigger and better things, under Ben's enthusiastic direction."