Young soprano star James Nash certainly left the Leyland Band on a high note after the recent British Open Championship in Birmingham.

Having spent 18 months and making a hugely significant contribution to the North West band, as well as being the principal trumpet of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, he is to start his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Outstanding

A spokesperson for the band who claimed a richly deserved sixth place at Symphony Hall told 4BR: "James' quality was clear the minute he stepped foot in the band room, and his outstanding playing meant he was one of the first names on every concert programme as a soloist.

He produced a number of high quality performances on the contest stage too — right up to his superb contribution at Birmingham."

We all wish him the very best, and we're absolutely sure that he will fulfil his ambition of becoming a top orchestral trumpet playerLeyland principal cornet, Iain Culross

On hold

They added: "James' commitment to the band has also been unquestionable, and he even put his 18th birthday celebrations on hold in order to play in one of our concerts."

Meanwhile, Leyland principal cornet Iain Culross said: "Very few players could have produced the standard that James has consistently maintained both on concert and contest platforms.

We all wish him the very best, and we're absolutely sure that he will fulfil his ambition of becoming a top orchestral trumpet player."