The Leyland Band has announced that Australian baritone champion Kristy Rowe has joined the band’s baritone section.

Kristy joins a euphonium and baritone section comprising of young soloists Brenden Wheeler, Matthew White and Katrina Marzella.

Champion

23 year old Kristy is widely regarded as one of the most successful performers in Australasia. She is the current New South Wales Champion of Champions and has been invited to represent her state at the Ern Keller International Solo Competition next year. Kristy has won an incredible 10 Australian titles and 27 State titles on baritone.

In 2005, Kristy won the Ern Keller competition and represented Australia at the British Open Solo Championships.

She has been with me from the start of my career. It is brilliant that she has also chosen to pursue her passion in the United KingdomMD, Jason Katsikaris.

Flourish

Musical Director Jason Katsikaris told 4BR: "I have watched Kristy flourish into the finest baritone player in Australasian history. She has been with me from the start of my career. It is brilliant that she has also chosen to pursue her passion in the United Kingdom."

He added: "I wouldn’t hesitate to add that we have, at Leyland, one of the strongest baritone/ euphonium sections in the world. This is a major coup for the band."

Extra signing

The band has also signed Alan Hodgkinson on B flat bass and Paul Dale on cornet ahead of its return to the British Open in September.

The MD added: "Both Alan and Paul bring with them a vast amount of experience. They are consummate bandsmen. We wish them both a long and prosperous relationship with the band."