Midlands Championship Section contenders Foresters Brass 2000 has announced a number of important changes to their musical line up as they prepare for their Bedworth ‘Torchbearer’ challenge in March.

Return

Musical Director Peter Collins has decided to make a return to playing to take on the role of principal cornet for the Area contest, two years after he last played at the top level with Virtuosi GUS.

That moves means that Brad Turnbull, the long-standing conductor of the enormously successful Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band, will both work with Peter in the run up to, and then take the band on the stage at Bedworth.

Best possible start

Band Chairperson Helen Parker-Bates told 4BR: “To have such a well respected and accomplished player on principal cornet is the best possible start to 2015. Peter has been our MD for a decade, whilst also playing principal in some of the UK’s finest bands, so to have him playing with us is just fantastic news. We are all thrilled.”

Helen added: “Having Peter on principal cornet and Brad in the middle is a fantastic combination — a dream team as far as we are concerned!”

Player changes

Helen also revealed that others changes have also occurred in playing personnel over the last couple of months.

Following the departure of long-serving member Rob Wilshaw to Foden’s, the talented Birmingham Conservatoire student Savannah Bone comes in on top trombone seat.

Joining her in the trombone section is the experienced Neil Brownless, who was a regular fixture at Foresters throughout 2014, whilst 16 year old Siobhan Bates comes in on solo horn.

Siobhan was recently named as a Radio 2 Young Brass Award semi- finalist, which will be recorded at the BBC’s Philharmonic Studio on January 31st.

Having Peter on principal cornet and Brad in the middle is a fantastic combination — a dream team as far as we are concerned!Band Chairperson Helen Parker-Bates

Looking forward

Peter Collins told 4BR: “We are all really looking forward to working with Savannah and nurturing this promising young talent. Giving young, gifted players an opportunity to develop is something of a proud tradition for us here at Foresters.”

He added: “Around the stands we have a real depth of talent, not least among the younger players. We had a great start in the Championship Section last year and, in partnership with Brad Turnbull, I’m really excited about our prospects for 2015.”