Fresh from their well-received performance at the recent National Final in London, the Virtuosi GUS Band has announced the appointment of Thomas Fountain as its new principal cornet.

Thomas takes over the role with immediate effect from his brother James, whose increasingly busy professional diary has seen him vacate the seat.

Hand over

He told 4BR: "It's great to be able to hand over to Tom. He is my best friend and a great player and I know he will serve the band with distinction.

I've loved every minute with GUS and look forward to being able to play with them whenever possible in the future."

Thanks

Band Chairman, Nigel Love, added: "We thank James for his wonderful commitment and playing with us, and look forward to maintaining our relationship with him. He has been a great ambassador for not only GUS, but all brass bands in the wider musical world.

We would also like to say thanks to James Screaton, who has filled the hot seat at a number of events this year with great distinction. We know Thomas and 'bumper-up' James will now go on to forge a great partnership together."

Honour

Meanwhile, Thomas, who is also principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and a Geneva Instruments Artist, told 4BR: "It's a real honour to take on this role with such a brilliant band — and from my brother.

I will be doing everything I can to continue moving the band forward under our MD, Adam Cooke and would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement since I joined five years ago. I'm really looking forward to this new challenge."

It's a real honour to take on this role with such a brilliant band — and from my brotherThomas Fountain

Encouraging

Adam Cooke, Musical Director added, 'I'm delighted that Thomas accepted our offer. The band has a proud tradition of encouraging talented young players and Thomas has already proven himself to be a top class musician and soloist during his time with GUS.

Despite his young age he brings a wealth of experience to the top chair making him the ideal person to lead the band."