The Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced a brace of additions to their line up ahead of their challenge at the British Open in Birmingham on the weekend.

Signings

The band has secured the signing of former Brighouse & Rastrick principal tuba and euphonium star Steven Walsh, as well as Amy Leitch, the former principal cornet of Irvine & Dreghorn Band, who has joined the cornet section.

Amy is currently a student of Nigel Boddice at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Talent and experience

Band Manager Martin Stack commented to 4BR: "The talent and experience that Steven brings will add an extra dimension to our tuba team, whilst Amy is also an exciting young talent who we are very pleased has joined our cornet section."

The talent and experience that Steven brings will add an extra dimension to our tuba team, whilst Amy is also an exciting young talent who we are very pleased has joined our cornet sectionMartin Stack

Absorb

Meanwhile, the band has also revealed that their preparation for Symphony Hall has been aided by the fitting of 27 acoustic sound absorbers in their rehearsal room, following extensive testing.

Band Chairman Paul Kiernan added: "The acoustic sound absorbers have porous surfaces which sound waves can partially penetrate and get trapped in, rather than being fully reflected as they would be by a smooth surface.

As our new rehearsal facilities had poor acoustic qualities it became abundantly clear that modern acoustic control was required. Our MD Allan Ramsay and players have been delighted with the results."