Following their recent critically acclaimed performance alongside the Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Foden's has announced the departure of cornet player Andrew Stevenson, who leaves to commence a career in the Royal Air Force.

Fitting way

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "It was a fitting way for Andrew to leave — on a real high with a band he has been such a popular member of over the last three years whilst being a student at the Royal Northern College of Music."

During his time with the Sandbach band Andrew has also made a name for himself as a talented composer, working alongside Foden's on a number of recordings of his works. Andrew will however continue his association as Composer in Residence with the Foden's Youth Band.

Swiss replacement

The band has also acted quickly to sign a replacement, with Kathleen Gaspoz coming in on the solo cornet bench.

Kathleen is a former principal cornet with the European Youth Band and National Youth Band of Switzerland and joins from the Valaisia Band, the 2013 Swiss Open Champion.

When we knew Kathleen would be moving to England to study for a Masters in Performance at the RNCM we were delighted that she choose to join Foden'sMark Wilkinson.

Delighted

Speaking about the signing Mark Wilkinson added: "Kathleen is regarded as one of the leading cornet players in Switzerland and is a former triple Swiss cornet champion.

When we knew Kathleen would be moving to England to study for a Masters in Performance at the RNCM we were delighted that she choose to join Foden's.

She is a very accomplished all round player and will be an excellent addition to the band."