Scottish First Section Champion Granite City Brass has announced some changes in personnel ahead of their trip to the National Finals in Cheltenham.

Replacements

Musical Director, Bruce Wallace told 4BR: "Unfortunately, flugel player Alan Marr and principal horn John Benzie can't make the trip. Alan's son is getting married on the same weekend and John is currently recovering from major surgery."

However, replacements have been signed with Jennifer Gourlay and Steven Fraser, as Bruce added.

"Jennifer and Steven are very experienced players and bring great quality to the middle of the band. Whilst it's unfortunate that our usual players can't join us, we're extremely fortunate to source such excellent replacements."

Norwegian link

Also joining for the trip is EEb tuba player Clive Zwanswiniski and cornet player Cathy Smith.

"Clive and I met some 20 years ago playing for this band and have remained close friends ever since," Bruce said.

"It's great to have him join us and I know he's really looking forward to playing with Granite once again. Clive currently lives and works in Norway and is gaining a notable reputation there as a conductor and teacher."

We're really starting to get our teeth into the test piece now and I'm confident we'll be on good form come the dayMD, Bruce Wallace

Experience and quality

Bruce continued: "Cathy played principal cornet for me at Bon Accord ‘B’ Band for around 10 years, so I’m so pleased to have her on board again bringing a wealth of experience and quality to the back row.

The band members are really looking forward to competing at Cheltenham and we're indebted to our band president Eddie Paley for funding the trip.

We're really starting to get our teeth into the test piece now and I'm confident we'll be on good form come the day."