After a year in which they claimed the European, National and Brass in Concert titles, Cory has already planned for future success with the signing of three new players.

New trio

Will Norman comes in on repiano cornet, with Dan Sharpe on cornet and Kate James on tuba.

Will has just started his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and despite his youth brings a great deal of experience from his time as flugel with the Flowers Band and at the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Dan Sharpe also joins on cornet and was most recently a member of Filton Band in Bristol. He is renewing his acquaintance with Cory MD Philip Harper having spent five years together also at Flowers Band.

Kate James joins after enjoying spells with both BTM and Tongwynlais. After a brief sabbatical, Kate filled in at a couple of Cory concerts in September and joined the band in time for its Brass in Concert win in November.

Delighted

Philip Harper told 4BR: "I'm delighted to have secured the services of two fantastic cornet players and a great tuba player.

Our cornet section has been in a state of flux since the Europeans last May. Will is one of the most exciting new prospects and has been taken under the wing of both Tom Hutchinson and Steve Stewart.

Dan brings a huge sound to the 3rd cornet seat and is one of the most dedicated bandsmen I have ever known. Both have fitted in extremely well with the band."

I'm delighted to have secured the services of two fantastic cornet players and a great tuba playerMD, Philip Harper

Fond farewell

He added: "As we bid a fond farewell to Japanese tuba player Kazuyuki Kouno, who had been studying for a Masters Degree at the RWCMD but was returning to Japan, I could see that Kate offered everything we'd need to replace him. I'm delighted that she accepted my invitation to join the band."

Cory Band is now looking forward to fulfilling its remaining Christmas engagements before its annual Awards Dinner Dance on 4th January.