Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band has announced the signing of rising trombone star Joseph Heartfield.

The 13 year old started playing under the guidance of Stan Lippeatt and is currently studying with Brett Baker. He also receives tuition once a term from Chris Houlding at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Award winner

His banding career already includes spells at Sherwood Forest Brass and Blidworth Welfare Band where he beame their solo trombone player aged 12. Joseph has also been a member of the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain for four years, where he is currently principal trombone.

He is also a member of the Black Dyke Junior Trombone Quartet, performing at the Singapore Low Brass Festival in 2016, Elland Silver Youth Band and the Yorkshire Youth Band.

2017 has already proved to be an exciting year as he won the Best Soloist award at the National Youth Championships of Great Britain and at the European Youth Championships in Ostend, as well as taking the 'Best Soloist' award at the recent Shirebrook Entertainment Contest.

We are delighted to welcome Joseph as it is a great time to become an 'Imp'. He is a fantastic young player and there is now a real buzz around the bandChairman, Bob Morton

Great time

Band Chairman Bob Morton told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome Joseph as it is a great time to become an 'Imp'. He is a fantastic young player and there is now a real buzz around the band."