Kathleen Gaspoz has informed 4BR that she has resigned from her position as principal cornet of National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick with immediate effect.

After enjoying a very successful 18 months with the West Riding outfit, which included being awarded the Best Instrumentalist prize at the 2017 National Final, the first woman to have joined the Yorkshire band on principal cornet has decided that it was now time to start a new chapter in her career.

Dream

Speaking exclusively to 4BR she said: "I would like to thank Brighouse & Rastrick for giving me the opportunity to make my debut on principal cornet, which was a dream of mine ever since I started playing.

Never would I have thought it would lead to me being the principal cornet of the winning band at the Royal Albert Hall so quickly, let alone being awarded the Best Instrumentalist prize."

Step away

She added: "However, I have no option but to relinquish from my position with immediate effect.

I wish to continue playing the cornet at the highest level, but in order to continue with my professional career I feel the need to step away from Brighouse & Rastrick.

I also wish to thank everyone associated with the band the very best for the upcoming contests and would like to particularly thank Musical Director Dr. David Thornton for his ongoing support and professionalism."

Kathleen told 4BR that following a busy summer including solo appearances at various courses across Europe, she will now take time to focus on the completion of her Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Salford as well as undertake various solo engagements and performances with her chamber music groups including the newly-founded Tetra Brass.

I wish to continue playing the cornet at the highest level, but in order to continue with my professional career I feel the need to step away from Brighouse & RastrickKathleen Gaspoz

Thanks

In response, a spokesperson for the band told 4BR: "Brighouse & Rastrick would like to thank Kathleen Gaspoz for her fantastic playing, leadership and the hours of effort she put into the band since she was appointed shortly before the Europeans in 2017.

We would like to wish her all the best in what will surely be a highly successful musical career."