Besses Boys Band has announced the signing of six new players as well as a slight reshuffle in the current personnel.

Baritone move

Callum Baxter completes the baritone and euphonium line, joining on solo baritone. For the first time in several years the band can also boast a full horn section after signing Kirsty Mason and Alana Evans on 1st and 2nd horn respectively.

Kirsty, a former member of Bolton Youth, came to help the band out on the recommendation of friend Scott Broadhurst and decided to stay, whilst Alana, a student at Chethams School of Music joins along with sister Fern Evans.

It's a fantastic thing for the band to be able to sign so many quality players to the ranks, and it also shows the strength we already had with us being able to promote withinMD, James Holt

Cornet strength

The cornet section has also been strengthened with the addition of Catherine Fox on third cornet. Catherine saw the band perform at a recruitment drive at a local school and joined to band as a result.

Finally, Eb Bass Hannah Whitfield joins the ranks. Hannah, sister of former percussionist Matt Whitfield, joins after completing her studies whilst playing with the Trentham Band. Hannah is about to start her NQT year after qualifying to be a teacher.

Bumper up

Following on from the departure of Jenny Abbot, "bumper up" Eleanor Parkes has moved onto the flugel chair. Eleanor stated that the chance to play in a solo seat was just to good to turn down.

2nd cornet Adam Galloway has been promoted to repiano, whilst Grace Kinsler and Emma Kilpatrick form a new look 2nd cornet team. With the addition of Catherine to third cornet Paul Mitchell has also been promoted to top 3rd Cornet.

Fantastic

MD James Holt told 4BR: "It's a fantastic thing for the band to be able to sign so many quality players to the ranks, and it also shows the strength we already had with us being able to promote within."

He added: "The band is now the closest to full compliment it has been for quite some time and this can only help our preparations for the upcoming concerts and contest we have."