Elland Silver has announced that highly respected principal cornet player Samantha Harrison has decided to step down from the role to focus on her conducting and teaching work with the organisation's burgeoning youth and training bands.
Sam has held the role since 2001 when she returned from spells playing with BT and York Imperial, and became a focal point in their rise to Championship Section status, winning critical acclaim for her personal performance on the contest and concert stages along the way.
New roles
She told 4BR: "It's been an incredibly busy time at Elland. I put so much into working with the youth band and my teaching, that I feel the time is right to step down and hand over to a talented player who has the passion to lead from the end chair in the Championship Section.
I'm delighted to say the band has found a fabulous successor, and I wish them every success. I have no intention of leaving and am really looking forward to my new roles."
In response the band thanked Sam for her outstanding contribution as she now takes over on flugel from Pete Laidler, who has retired from playing to concentrate on building a new family home.
Good luck
Meanwhile, Elland has also wished good luck to cornet player Bethan Plant, who was raised through their exceptional youth system since the age of 7, and who has now joined Grimethorpe Colliery. That seat has now been filled by Salford University student Adam Albinson, who has played principal cornet for Middleton Band.
Also joining the ranks is Steven Armitage on BBb tuba from Milnrow, who takes over from Kai Spencer who will move to EEb tuba until he starts university in September.
I'm delighted to say the band has found a fabulous successor, and I wish them every success. I have no intention of leaving and am really looking forward to my new rolesSam Harrison
Welcome
Elland MD Danny Brooks added: "It's always sad when players leave and move on, but it's also good to welcome new players who are keen to develop our status in the Championship Section."
