The Virtuosi GUS Band has announced a number of changes to personnel as they look forward to the start of the 2015 contesting season.

New sop

After three years and a round trip of 250 miles for every rehearsal, soprano star Martin Britt has decided to take a banding break due to increased work commitments.

His seat will be taken by one of the rising stars of the National Youth Band of Great Britain, with Royal College of Music student Jack Wilson taking on the role after previously enjoying his time with the band on the solo cornet bench.

New cornets

Meanwhile, James Screaton makes the move from the principal cornet chair at Newstead Brass to become assistant principal cornet, whilst Thomas Fountain joins the front row team by moving from flugel horn as part of his future development towards a trumpet playing career — hopefully following in the footsteps of his older brother James.

Thomas will fill the seat vacated by guardsman Nick Mott, who moves onto flugel in return, whilst the back row is strengthened by the arrival of Kibworth principal cornet Roy Kirsopp.

Tuba and perc

Andy Johnson, who has recently achieved gained his Masters degree in music at Trinity College, joins on principal EEb tuba, having moved back to the area to work with the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, with the experienced percussionist Jon Kitchen arriving from Redbridge.

The band is delighted to welcome such high calibre players to an already strong team, and we are looking forward to what is sure to be a busy contest and concert schedule in 2015Virtuosi GUS

Bari return

Finally, there is a welcome return to top flight banding for Keith Muggeridge, the former solo baritone player of Fairey, who returns to playing after enjoying an extended banding break.

Delighted

A Virtuosi GUS spokesperson told 4BR: “The band is delighted to welcome such high calibre players to an already strong team, and we are looking forward to what is sure to be a busy contest and concert schedule in 2015.”