Woodfalls welcome new signings to the bandroom
Published in Band News on 2014-09-09 by Woodfalls Band
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Woodfalls welcome new signings to the bandroom
Woodfalls band have announced a flourish of new signings ahead of their 2014 National Finals appearance.
Ray Farr has been appointed guest conductor for the New Forest based outfit as they seek to better their sixth place from last year’s Royal Albert Hall outing. The highly experienced conductor, arranger and adjudicator has begun preparations to work his magic on Peter Meechan’s score The Legend of King Arthur.
Ray Farr says "It’s an absolute joy to work with such a fine band on this exciting work. I look forward to the Royal Albert Hall performance immensely”
Woodfalls also welcome to their permanent ranks a quartet of music students. Lauren Chinn makes a welcome return to the band on cornet and Matthew Fletcher has come in on second euphonium whilst Lawrence Wareham has enlisted in the percussion section.
Grant Jameson, a finalist for the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award also joins the band on Solo Euphonium.
Band chairman Paul Street said “our long standing principal euphonium John Starkes suffered ill health earlier on in the summer which forced him to temporarily stop playing. The latest news is that John is making a good return to full health and the band wish him well as he gets back to playing. John’s shoes are very difficult to fill but we are delighted to welcome the American euphonium soloist Grant Jameson to the band, he will be a great asset to us.”
Joining the youngsters are two experienced musicians, Janine Aston returns to the band on cornet and Pat Brady on BBb tuba.
“We have already had several very enjoyable but hardworking rehearsals exploring the Arthurian sound world and we are looking forward to the National Finals, and of course our début appearance at the Brass in Concert Championships at the Sage Gateshead a little later on in the season” added Paul Street. “It is a pleasure to work with Ray for the first time and our new signings have brought a wealth of talent to our bandroom.”