The Leyland Band has announced the signing of a brace of new players and a significant internal player move ahead of their British Open challenge at Symphony Hall in September.

Trombone and cornet

Tom Challinor joins on principal trombone with Steve Taylor signing adding to the third cornet bench.

Tom is a former Northop Silver player, but has also enjoyed an extensive musical career with the Coldstream Guards for the last five years, taking on the role of principal trombone for the last two.

He has recently moved to Weeton to play solo trombone with The Band of The King's Division (CAMUS), and will replace Ross Johnson who moves to London in September to commence a music degree.

Experience

Meanwhile, the experienced Steve Taylor joins from Marple, following a varied playing career with the likes of CWS Manchester Foden’s, Bedford Leigh, Wingates, BT and Hammonds Saltaire.

Having looked at taking ‘early retirement’ to concentrate on his golf, the opportunity to join Leyland was in his words ‘too good to miss’. He replaces Ryan Broad who has moved to the front row cornet section.

It is also great to see John playing flugel once again. His talent on the instrument is unrivalled and it was the logical step for us when we learnt that Romana would be taking a breakMD, Huw Thomas

Doyle move to flugel

The band also confirmed that John Doyle has moved from soprano to flugel to replace Romana Hallstead who is taking a break from banding to concentrate on her studies.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Tom and Steve to Leyland," commented MD Huw Thomas. "Both bring diverse and significant playing experience and I wish them a happy and fruitful time with us.

It is also great to see John playing flugel once again. His talent on the instrument is unrivalled and it was the logical step for us when we learnt that Romana would be taking a break."