The Wantage Band has strengthened its ranks ahead of its top section assault at the London & Southern Counties Regional Championships in Stevenage in March.

The experienced duo of Linda Hobbs and Bob Stradling come to the band on Principal EEb tuba and second euphonium respectively.

Signings

Linda is a former Royal Schools of Music graduate who has enjoyed playing spells with the likes of Hanwell, Derwent, GUS, Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry), Jaguar Land Rover and Kibworth.

Meanwhile, Bob made his name as a respected principal cornet with Hanwell before going on to play both cornet and soprano for the likes of Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry), Kibworth and other top bands, as well as enjoy successful conducting tenures at Daventry Brass and Amington.

He switched to euphonium in 2015, subsequently winning the 2016 Midlands Area title with Ibstock and the 2017 'Best Euphonium' prize at Shirebrook with Enderby.

It's healthy to have such experience joining our thriving organisation. Bob and Linda are both fine players and I'm very pleased that we can benefit from their musicianshipMD, Paul Holland

Healthy experience

Wantage MD Paul Holland told 4BR: "It's healthy to have such experience joining our thriving organisation. Bob and Linda are both fine players and I'm very pleased that we can benefit from their musicianship."