The Reg Vardy Band has welcomed some new faces — and say farewell to some old friends ahead of their North East Area defence.

Arrivals

Fiona Casewell joins as the band’s new second euphonium. Fiona recently moved to the area after a spell with Virtuosi GUS to be with partner bass trombonist, Gareth Sykes.

He arrival means that Dave Shawcross returns to Lockwood Brass. Dave joined Reg Vardy at the beginning of 2010 to 'just help out' as he said, whilst Lockwood took a break from contesting.

Fixture

Band spokesperson Laura Jackson told 4BR: "Dave soon became part of the fixtures and fittings proving himself a tremendous musician often deputising as solo euphonium and as a member of the baritone section."

Meanwhile, Mark Crisp joins the reigning North East Regional champions on solo cornet.

Mark, 18, comes from the Clifton & Lightcliffe where he served with distinction as their principal cornet. He has recently moved to the area to study at Durham University.

Real impression

Laura Jackson added: "We first heard Mark when he played as a guest with the band at last years Brass in Concert Championship where he made a real impression."

First miss

That moves has meant that band stalwart Les Palmer moves to second cornet following a bout of ill health over the Christmas period, which caused him to miss his first concert in 20 years!