London & Southern Counties Area champion Friary Guildford has welcomed the talented young percussionist William Rowling to the band.

Prize winner

The multi-instrumentalist (he also plays euphonium and trombone) comes from Godalming Band, and since 2016 he has been studying on Saturdays at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, increasing his experience of different musical genres and activities.

He has already notched up appearances at the Royal Albert Hall and this year gained a place on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain under Bramwell Tovey — winning the prestigious Katie Ogden solo competition.

William has greatly enjoyed playing with us, and was part of our fourth consecutive win at the Area contest earlier this year and at the Grand Shield in BlackpoolFriary Guildford Band

Welcome

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "William has greatly enjoyed playing with us, and was part of our fourth consecutive win at the Area contest earlier this year and at the Grand Shield in Blackpool.

He is looking forward to future challenges and we are delighted to welcome him."