Friary Brass has strengthened its ranks as they look ahead to a busy end to 2026 and a rejuvenated challenge for contesting honours in the new contesting year.

Alice Godfrey comes in on repiano cornet with Tom Steer on solo Eb bass. The couple married in June this year.

Cornet and tuba

Alice is a trumpet graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music. Having played with the likes of Grimethorpe and Brighouse & Rastrick she was a member of Fulham Brass Band for nine years including seven as principal cornet, winning the 'Best Cornet' award contributing the band's First Section Area victory this year.

The Senior Gallery Events Manager at the National Gallery in London, Alice is passionate about diversifying brass band repertoire by featuring more music by underrepresented composers, particularly women.

Tom is a programme manager in the Civil Service and was a former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He was also a member of Fulham Brass for seven years.

Talented

In welcoming the duo Band Chairperson Andy Singleton told 4BR: "Having known both Alice and Tom for a while, we're privileged to welcome two such talented players to Friary and look forward to the contribution they will undoubtedly make."

His comments were echoed by Friary MD Captain Andrew Porter: "I'm delighted to welcome Tom and Alice. They are both top-quality musicians and have been brilliant to work with."

Delighted

In response Alice said: "Having performed with the band at the Grand Shield and seen the progress made under Andrew Porter, I'm delighted to be joining full time,"whilst Tom added: "I'm looking forward to leading the bass section and being reunited with old friends. Most of all, I'm enjoying being able to play in a band with Alice."