St Pinnock Band has announced a host of new signings ahead of their appearance at the West of England Regional Championships in Torquay in March.

Rhapsody

The experienced conductor and MD of Fulham Brass, John Ward, has been brought in to guide the band through Dean Goffin's 'Rhapsody in Brass' in the Second Section, with regular conductor Jane Whitehead taking a seat in the cornet team.

Joining Jane will be other members of the Whitehead family, Sarah (solo horn), Tim (flugel) and Alistair (Bb bass). Other signings include Royal Marine Colin Hudson on solo trombone and Graham Elliott from Verwood Band.

It will be great to go to Cornwall and spend time with the band on 'Rhapsody in Brass'. It's a lovely piece and St Pinnock has a really good group there to perform itConductor, John Ward

Good group

John Ward told 4BR: "It will be great to go to Cornwall and spend time with the band on 'Rhapsody in Brass'. It's a lovely piece and St Pinnock has a really good group there to perform it."

Meanwhile, Jane Whitehead added: "We are so pleased to be able to announce John as our conductor for the West of England Regional Championship, as he is a fabulous inspiration for the band. We are excited and looking forward to the coming six weeks!"