Glossop Old Band has announced the signing of two new players — with Rachael Ward (flugel) and Matt Hill (solo euphonium) joining their ranks.

Newcomer

Rachael is a relative newcomer to brass banding; swapping the trumpet for flugel shortly after completing her MA in Music at the University of Manchester in 2008.

She has enjoyed five successful years playing with Marple Band — including their Second Section National title victory in 2014.

Matthew has a long association with brass bands, and studied at the RNCM under Steven Mead.

He also competed in brass competitions all over Europe, and was a semi-finalist in the ITEC in 2004 in Hungary, Lieksa Brass Week in Finland (2004) and the Phillip Jones Brass Competition in France (2003).

He was solo euphonium with Wingates and is a former principal euphonium of the Central Band of the RAF.

Both have been featured as guest soloists in recent concerts and their playing has been much appreciated by both audience and players alikeGlossop Old Band

Delighted

A Glossop Old spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome Rachael and Matthew to the band.

Both have been featured as guest soloists in recent concerts and their playing has been much appreciated by both audience and players alike."