The YBS Band has announced the arrival of two new players.

Moving back across the Pennines is Helen Varley on solo horn who joins from Stockport Brass.

Top horn

Helen joins in time for the Brass in Concert contest and adds strength to the bands line up of principal players. Helen studied for a BSc Physics with Acoustics at Salford University and graduated in July 2005. She is now working as an acoustic consultant for an architectural firm in Manchester.

Emerging talent

Also joining is emerging talent Jamie Smith on cornet. 14 year old Jamie is the Principal Cornet for the National Children's Band of Great Britain and has already enjoyed success in solo contests this year and is widely regarded as a star in the making. Jamie replaces Lee Marsden who has moved to Leyland.

These are exciting times at YBS and the arrival of top players such as Helen and Jamie is a great newsYBS Band

Exciting times

Band Manager Dave Long told 4BR: "These are exciting times at YBS and the arrival of top players such as Helen and Jamie is a great news. Helen is one of the best horn players around and a player we have admired for some time. She is a very committed player and fabulous personality to have in the bandroom.

Dave added: "Jamie is already a fine cornet player and one we're sure is going to go on to great things. We're thrilled to have both players in the team. Helen and Jamie have slotted straight in as if they'd been in the band for years."

Looking forward

Dave told 4BR that the band is looking forward to their appearance at Brass in Concert, and beyond: "We have a Brass in Concert in November and a busy concert schedule starting at The Priory Church in Bridlington this Saturday. It's the first time we have appeared there and the there has been a real buzz about the news of our visit."

"We have big plans for the rest of this year and 2009 so you can expect further announcements in the near future too."

Helen and Jamie will both make their debuts for YBS at the Priory Church in Bridlington this Saturday evening.