First Section Helston Town Band has announced the appointment of 14 year old Andy Wingham as their new principal cornet player.

Home grown

The home grown talent started playing just seven years ago in their leaner section, before moving up through the Helston Youth Band to the senior outfit.

The Grade 8 student also plays solo cornet for the Cornwall Youth Band, as well as the Helston School Jazz Orchestra, Wind Band and Senior Bands, and is already a dab hand on piano.

Developed

In the last few years his development as a player has seen him reach the last round of the prestigious ‘Two Moors Festival’ in North Devon.

Andy provisionally took up the role in the Summer, and as MD Derek Johnston told 4BR, his talent and potential has shone through.

"Andy wants to become a professional trumpet player," Derek said.

"This young man has a great future, and we as a band will help him all we can. He takes the hot seat for the first time at the SWBBA contest Torquay and we know he will do well."

This young man has a great future, and we as a band will help him all we can. He takes the hot seat for the first time at the SWBBA contest Torquay and we know he will do wellMD, Derek Johnston

Hirst engagement

Meanwhile, the band has engaged the services of the vastly experienced David Hirst for their forthcoming the contest. David will be spending a weekend with the band working on their own-choice set work prior to the event.

Derek Johnston added: "The band is very keen to work with professional conductors. I have worked with David before and am sure he will have a great impact on the band.

This is also a great marker to be up against some very good First and Championship bands and we are all very excited."