The Rockingham Band has announced that Andrew Abele has joined the Yorkshire outfit as their new principal cornet.

Experience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Andrew comes to us with a great deal of experience having played principal cornet for Snibston & Desford and 'bumper-up' for Thoresby Colliery. He also has further invaluable top flight experience with Unite the Union."

Andy gained a BA degree in band studies from the University of Sheffield, studying under Major Peter Parkes and David Hirst, and has since gone on to become a peripatetic music teacher in the Lincolnshire area and more lately as Head of Music at Gedling School in Nottinghamshire.

We're thrilled to welcome Andy, and his experience and ability are something we hope to draw from as we move forwardMD, Adam Whittle

Warm welcome

He is certainly excited to take up the role, and has been welcomed warmly by the band and MD, Adam Whittle.

He told 4BR: "We're thrilled to welcome Andy, and his experience and ability are something we hope to draw from as we move forward.

He is an outstanding player and has shown his enthusiasm and commitment to be part of the team. We forward to many successful years together."