The Fairey Band has announced a number of new signings as they look towards the second half of the 2017 contest season.

Former Kirkintilloch and current Scottish Open Solo Champion, Rachel Neil is moving from Glasgow to Manchester to undertake a Masters in Performing at the RNCM and has accepted the solo horn position.

Meanwhile, Sacheus Pritchard joins the front row cornet team. A member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales he is studying zoology at Bangor University and has played soprano for Menai Bridge and more latterly Llanrug.

New signings

Fairey MD, Garry Cutt told 4BR: "I first met Rachel whilst working with Kirkintilloch a couple of years ago. She was instantly one of those players that made a lasting impression because of her natural musicality and quality sound.

Rachel was the first choice as soon as I heard she would be relocating to Manchester."

He added: "Sacheus was highly recommended by our former principal cornet Paul Hughes. He's a dedicated bandsman and an up and coming young talent which I know Fairey's will nurture."

Bottom end additions

In addition the band has also signed Adam Bokaris on second euphonium. The Australian is about to start his fourth year at the RNCM under David Thornton and joined in March, whilst Dominic Hurley and Dr Jon Beaumont form a new Bb Tuba team.

Fairey solo euphonium Jim Fieldhouse has welcomed the arrivals: "In a short space of time Adam has made a really positive impression both a player and a bandsman. I hope he will have a long association with us. The new tuba team is a great boost for the band.

I first met Rachel whilst working with Kirkintilloch a couple of years ago. She was instantly one of those players that made a lasting impression because of her natural musicality and quality soundMD, Garry Cutt

Tuba team

That team sees Dominic Hurley, a former member of the National Childrens Band of Great Britain and Northop link up Dr Jon Beaumont, who recently left Grimethorpe.

Jon said: "I've only been sat with Dom for a relatively short period of time but we've already got a good team going and we're really looking forward to doing our first contest together in September."