Black Dyke Band has welcomed the appointment of Amy Paterson as their new second horn player.

Amy, who hails from Campbeltown in the west of Scotland, is a first year student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, as well as being the current Scottish Solo Champion and Principal Horn with the National Youth Band of Scotland.

Footsteps

She also follows in the footsteps of some famous Scottish horn players who have played with the Queensbury band, including Sandy Smith, Leslie Howie and Sheona White.

Regarded as one of the finest young players to emerge from Scottish banding in recent years, she will be a great addition to the Black Dyke team according to Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs.

"Following the band's advertisement for a new horn player we had an incredible response, with applicants from as far afield as the USA and Hong Kong wishing to join us.

Eight candidates were shortlisted and came to play with us in rehearsal, but it was obvious Amy stood out with her musical maturity and ability to blend into the section."

Eight candidates were shortlisted and came to play with us in rehearsal, but it was obvious Amy stood out with her musical maturity and ability to blend into the sectionProf Nicholas Childs

Look forward

He added: "I look forward to working with her as she develops as a player and I wish to pass on my personal thanks to all those who applied for the position. It really shows the draw Black Dyke has as a band throughout the world."

Amy's first concert appearance was at the band's recent Huddersfield concert, where the band also said a fond farewell to Sammy Latus who is going to spend time with her beautiful baby girl, Olivia.