The Leyland Band has announced the appointment of Ross Johnson as their new principal trombone.

Ross will make his contesting debut with the North West champions after their appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday.

The 17 year old is a former member of Porthywaen Silver, the Black Dyke Youth Trombone Quartet and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Talent

Band Chairman, Iain McKnight told 4BR: "It is a pleasure to welcome Ross to the team at Leyland. Despite his age, he possesses a considerable talent and is a welcome addition to our band. In my experience, players such as Ross rapidly develop in to the banding stars of tomorrow.

Given the quality of performance he is already capable of, this can only bode well for both Ross and Leyland Band."

To be appointed principal trombone at Leyland Band is a great honour. I have had a very warm welcome and the atmosphere is electricRoss Johnson

US audience

Ross is a pupil of Brett Baker and John Proctor and has won many solo competitions including, most recently, the ‘Best Soloist’ award at the Wychavon Festival of Brass.

In 2013 he has travelled to Kentucky to participate in the Great American Brass Band Festival to a colossal audience of 30,000.

He added: "To be appointed principal trombone at Leyland Band is a great honour. I have had a very warm welcome and the atmosphere is electric."