The Fairey Band has announced new player signings and additions as they start their preparations for the 2014 contesting season.

Bass trom

Following the news that highly respected bass trombone player Dr John Paul Warder has decided step down after seven highly successful and enjoyable years with the Stockport outfit, the band has announced that the talented Josh Cirtina will take his place with immediate effect.

Difficult decision

The Doctor of Mathematics told 4BR that increase work and hobby commitments have finally led to him making the difficult decision.

"I've had seven great years at Fairey's and I will miss everyone, especially my best mate Gaz Parker who has kept me company on many a long coach journey.

I've got other activities I need to pursue and along with my twice weekly Pilates sessions and the restoration of my trusty old 1964 Hillmen Imp I just can't commit to regular rehearsals. I would like to wish the band the very best of luck for the future."

New talent

Josh Cirtina is a second year student at the RNCM in Manchester and has been principal bass trombone with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, where he won consecutive Katie Ogden solo competition awards. For the last two years he has been a member of the Blackburn & Darwen Band.

A Fairey Band spokesperson told 4BR: "We would not only like to thank the ‘Doc’ for his playing commitments during the past seven years, but also for all his efforts behind the scenes as a valued committee member. Everyone in the band wishes him well in his new ventures."

Euph and sop

Another new signing is Nick Birch, who will join on second euphonium from Pemberton Old DW Wigan Band, whilst following the departure of Benjamin Richeton to Black Dyke, Jonathan Probert has stepped up from the cornet bench to take over the soprano role.

These are all terrific new signings and additions — and will give the band the impetus to hit the ground running in 2014. I’ve heard all three players and have been immensely impressed with them allGarry Cutt

2014

Fairey MD Garry Cutt is also looking forward to working with the new signings ahead of what he hopes will be a highly successful year for the famous North West band.

"These are all terrific new signings and additions — and will give the band the impetus to hit the ground running in 2014. I’ve heard all three players and have been immensely impressed with them all.

There is a renewed confidence about the band and we are already looking forward to what I am sure will be highly successful season next year."