Brighouse & Rastrick has announced a number of student personnel changes, following the departure of the vastly experienced David Belshaw from its euphonium ranks.

Replacement

His replacement is RNCM student Daniel Thomas, who joins the West Riding band from the principal euphonium role at Blackburn & Darwen, where he has played for the last five years.

Daniel is a pupil of his new principal euphonium colleague Dave Thornton and Steven Mead in Manchester.

Superb player

A band spokesperson told 4BR: “A special acknowledgement goes to David, who has been with us as a superb player since 2011. In that time he helped the band to Yorkshire Area and National Championship titles and his extensive experience, teamwork and character will be missed by us all. We wish him well on his new endeavours.”

A special acknowledgement goes to David, who has been with us as a superb player since 2011. In that time he helped the band to Yorkshire Area and National Championship titlesBand spokesperson

Cornet and tuba

Meanwhile, talented cornet player Elizabeth Tonge comes in on solo cornet after impressing Director of Music, Prof David King when playing with the band in concerts prior to the Yorkshire Area Championship.

The 19 year old former Smithills School and Wingates principal cornet player is also a first year undergraduate at the RNCM in Manchester.

Meanwhile, the bass section welcomes the equally talented Belfast-born tuba player Conall Gormley.

The former Ulster and Irish Youth Orchestra player is another a first year student at the RNCM, where he comes under the expert tuition of Ewan Easton.