Brighouse & Rastrick has announced a change in its horn section with the announcement that long serving player Trevor McCormick has stepped down from the first horn role.

Trevor informed the band in January that this would be his last year of contesting and would retire after the Brass in Concert Championship.

In thanking him for his outstanding service Brighouse stated that he had played "an incredible part in the band's history during his time with us. His loyalty, bandsmanship, humour, and of course, playing ability, will be sorely missed!"

Thanks

Speaking to 4BR, Trevor offered his thanks in return. "I've been very fortunate to perform with wonderful friends and players under superb conductors, but this was the right time to step aside for the contesting sphere.

I can't have asked for anything more than the honour of playing for Brighouse & Rastrick — and it has been a real honour.

I'll carry on playing and enjoying myself — although it will be on the concert stage from now on."

New signing

The band has also confirmed that RNCM student Alice Clarke will take over from Trevor.

Alice is a product of Whitworth Vale & Healey Band and Rochdale Music Service, and has also played with Greater Manchester Youth Band and Elland Youth Band where she competed at the European Youth Championships in Birmingham and Malmo.

Alice has also been a member of the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and their Ambassador Band and Ensemble.

I can't have asked for anything more than the honour of playing for Brighouse & Rastrick — and it has been a real honourTrevor McCormick

National Youth experience

A particular highlight was to be part of the NYBBGB that performed Gavin Higgins' award winning 'Concerto for Orchestra and Brass Band' at Festival Hall in London alongside the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Alice most recently played with Wingates and Pemberton Old Band and is a Young Ambassador for Denis Wick products.