The Shipston Town Band organisation has spoken of its pride after two of its former players performed in principal positions with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Alec Banner and Alex Jeffrey, who started their musical journeys with the Warwickshire based band, were appointed principal percussionist and principal trombone respectively

Alec actually started in the band's training ensemble which is about to launch it new intake of aspiring players in September.

Delighted

Band Chairperson Liz Smith told 4BR: "We are all delighted for Alec and Alex and all that they have achieved with the National Youth Band.

Their stories serve as a brilliant inspiration to those young brass players starting to play an instrument, and is also a great endorsement of what we are doing at Shipston."

Perc and trom stars

Earlier this year 17 year old Alec became the conductor of the training ensemble, guiding budding musicians and helping develop their skills as part of an ensemble.

Now a percussionist with National Champion Flowers Band and Principal Percussionist for the Swan Youth Orchestra, he has also performed with the award-winning Youth Brass 2000.

18-year-old trombonist Alex is a pupil at King Edward VI School, Stratford and is due to begin studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in September. As well as performing with Shipston he also plays with the National Youth Orchestra, English Schools Orchestra and English Symphony Youth.

he pair are the latest in a long line of former members who have become members of the NYBBGBShipston Band

Long line

Liz Smith added: "The pair are the latest in a long line of former members who have become members of the NYBBGB including two of Britain's leading cornet players Kirsty Abbotts and Luke Barker and percussionist Francesca Lombardelli.

Membership of Shipston's training band is free. For those without their own brass instrument, the band offers instruments on free loan, with music and rehearsal facilities also provided at no cost.

So if you want to take your first steps on a brilliant brass journey, just get in touch."

More information:

For more information visit: www.shipstonband.co.uk or email: info@shipstonband.co.uk