Regent Brass has announced the signing of William Thomas as their new principal cornet.

The 13 year old becomes one of the youngest ‘Top Men’ in championship level banding by taking up the seat with the 2013 London & Southern Area champion.

<>Youngest player

A pupil at Orleans Park School, William began playing at the age of 8 and gained his Grade 8 exam with distinction at the age of 12. He currently studies at the Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama and is also the youngest member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

He has already won several accolades, including a victory at the recent Foden's Solo Competition and at the English Brass Academy under the direction of Paul Archibald and Philip Schwartz.

BBC Young Musician

William is currently taking part in the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2014 and will be performing in the second round in December.

MD Alan Duguid told 4BR: "We are all very excited to welcome William to the band. I’ve heard him perform many times and he is a very gifted player who has a very bright future ahead of him.

I’m certain he will be a huge asset to Regent Brass and hope he performs with us for many years to come."

We are all very excited to welcome William to the band. I’ve heard him perform many times and he is a very gifted player who has a very bright future ahead of himMD, Alan Duguid

Signings

Also joining the band on the back-row are Gillian Park, Connie Chadwick and Stuart Black from Regent Community Brass.

Alan added: "All three have played with the band several times over the last year and we are delighted to welcome them along on a permanent basis."