The Cory Band has announced two significant tenor horns moves as the world's number 1 ranked band looks forward to the British Open Championship in Birmingham in September.

Solo horn

Ailsa Russell has taken over the role of solo horn with the Welsh Champion, whilst 17 year old Ross Dunne comes in on 1st horn from the Llwydcoed Band.

Musical Director Philip Harper commented: "This is a great boost ahead of the summer. Ailsa has been playing with Cory for five years on 1st horn, stepping up into the solo seat whenever required.

Since January she has been completing the training part of her new job in the Corps of Army Music.

She will be returning from Kneller Hall to Wales to join the Band of the Prince of Wales Division and is our logical choice to promote to the solo horn seat. Ailsa is a very talented young player with lots of potential and I look forward to helping her with her future development."

Like Ailsa, he has the potential to be one of the greats, and has progressed to solo horn with the National Youth Brass Bands of both Wales and Great BritainCory MD, Philip Harper

Marked out

In respect to Ross, he added: "I can remember the first time I heard Ross at the Gwent Youth Band, and had him marked out then as one to watch.

Like Ailsa, he has the potential to be one of the greats, and has progressed to solo horn with the National Youth Brass Bands of both Wales and Great Britain. Since 2013 he has been the solo horn player with Llwydcoed and has been a regular dep for us since the beginning of the year."

Like Ailsa, he has the potential to be one of the greats, and has progressed to solo horn with the National Youth Brass Bands of both Wales and Great BritainCory MD, Philip Harper

Delighted

Llwydcoed MD Chris Turner, who has been Ross's teacher for the last ten years, added: "I'm delighted that he is moving to Cory. We are sad to see him go but send him on his way with our best wishes."