Following a highly successful recruitment drive, York Railway Institute Band has strengthened its ranks ahead of its promotion to the First Section in January 2014.

New players

This sees the return of former principal cornet James West who will take on the soprano role for a second time with the band, whilst joining the bass section are Peter Ribchester and Sean Watson on Bb and Eb tuba respectively.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This is Peter’s first experience of playing in a contesting band but he has settled in quickly and is relishing the opportunity to play with such a friendly and ambitious team.

Sean has contesting experience with a number of different bands and is already proving to be an asset to the band’s plans to make a winning mark on the First Section in 2014."

Sean has contesting experience with a number of different bands and is already proving to be an asset to the band’s plans to make a winning mark on the First Section in 2014York RI Band

Percussion debut

Finally there is a warm welcome for percussionist Ben Sharples. Ben is studying for his GCSEs at Tadcaster Grammar School with playing experience across many musical genres and groups – including his first musical taste of a brass band.