It has been announced that Kathleen Gaspoz will take over from Roger Webster as principal cornet at Grimethorpe Colliery.

The Yorkshire band also confirmed that the former Brighouse & Rastrick principal cornet will be joined by euphonium star Philippe Schwartz, who ended his tenure with the West Riding band on a high at the recent British Open Championship by winning the Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Award as 'Best Euphonium'.

National debuts

The Besson artists will join with immediate effect and will make their contest debuts at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in a few weeks time.

After completing her Master's degree and Advanced Postgraduate Diploma at the RNCM in Manchester, Kathleen is continuing her studies at the University of Salford where she hopes to achieve a Doctorate in the Musical Arts (DMA).

Thrilled

A spokesperson for Grimethorpe told 4BR: "We're thrilled to be able to welcome Kathleen. She joins us at a most exciting time in the band's history as we look forward to embracing a new culture based on an artistic and commercial vision which is worthy of our global brand.

As an outstanding performer and the first female principal cornet of the band, we believe Kathleen's abilities and international reputation will play a major role in helping us to achieve our future objectives.

As the winner of the Best Instrumentalist award at the National Championship last year her appointment will provide a real boost in advance of our appearance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Enormous boost

They added: "We're also delighted that, Prof Roger Webster will remain with the band as assistant to Kathleen. Our thanks go to Roger for all that he has achieved as principal cornet over many years.

To hand over the role he has carried out with distinction to Kathleen and in also agreeing to remain as a key member of the band for the foreseeable future, is also an enormous boost."

Amazing opportunity

In response Kathleen said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the Grimethorpe at this exciting time. It doesn't matter where you go in the world, when you speak about brass bands, they are the one people have heard of.

To be part of Grimethorpe is an amazing opportunity and I believe the band has the potential and aspiration which matches what I'm looking to achieve in my playing career. To be able to play alongside Roger is also such a privilege."

Meanwhile, Roger added: "Having taught Kathleen in recent years I believe that she is the obvious, outstanding candidate to take on the principal cornet role at Grimethorpe.

I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in leading the band, but this is the right time and the right person to hand over to. I'm sure Kathleen will serve the band extremely well and lead it to future success."

I'm thrilled to be joining the Grimethorpe at this exciting time. It doesn't matter where you go in the world, when you speak about brass bands, they are the one people have heard ofKathleen Gaspoz

Schwartz returns on euph

Philippe Schwartz meanwhile returns to the band after his successful tenure in West Riding. He is currently continuing his studies at the University of Salford where he is undertaking his Doctorate in the Musical Arts (DMA).

The band spokesperson added: "We're also thrilled to welcome Philippe back. Our aspirations are matched only by his ambition and we look forward to working closely with him to ensure that Grimethorpe continues to build upon its artistic and performance excellence."

In response Philippe added: "I'm delighted to be returning to Grimethorpe, as there are no bigger names in the world of brass bands. The vision which the band is now developing is extremely positive and I feel privileged to have been asked to play a part in their future."