The 2014 North West Area champion Fairey has announced a new baritone signing ahead of their preparations for the autumn series of major championships.

Matt Taylor is leaving in order to join one of the new British Army brass bands and will relinquish his second baritone position at the beginning of August to take up his Army basic training.

Faultless

Fairey Band Manager Nigel Beasley told 4BR: "Matt has been a member of Fairey since 2009 and his commitment and contribution both as a player and a person has been faultless. Everyone associated with the band wishes him well in his new career."

Local replacement

Local girl Heather Law, who until recently has been playing solo baritone with Carlton Main Frickley, will fill the vacancy.

A product of the respected Stockport Schools Music Service system, Heather studied at Huddersfield University under Katrina Marzella, Dave Thornton and Philip McCann. After a spell with Hawk Green Band, Heather joined Carlton Main in 2009.

Having graduated from Huddersfield with a masters degree in music performance, Heather is now looking to begin a teaching career.

Growing up in Stockport Heather has always had the ambition to play for Fairey, and this is her dream come trueFairey Band Manager Nigel Beasley

Ambition

Nigel Beasley added: "Growing up in Stockport Heather has always had the ambition to play for Fairey, and this is her dream come true.

The band welcomes her with open arms and hope she will have many successful years with us."