Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band has been busy over the festive season filling their ranks with new signings and undertaking important internal player moves.

New players

Gary Willis joins the Midlanders on second euphonium, Craig Bramford fills the vacant second baritone seat and Wanita Hutchinson takes her place on the front row of the cornet section.

Meanwhile, Leanne and Ben Slater join on third cornet having taken the step up from the Training Band after impressing everyone before Christmas with their playing.

Two returnees come in the shape of Phil Gee on second trombone and Lucy Clipsom on second cornet, following the birth of her daughter in October.

Positions changed

Positional changes see Amy Noon moves to repiano cornet, Faith Whately take on the flugel horn role, Harriet Warren become assistant principal cornet, Rob Smith move up to first horn, Bev Smith move to second horn from first baritone, which is now held by Jane Rutter, and Simon Whyatt move from Bb to Eb tuba.

This has put us in a really strong position heading to the Area’s in March which for 85% of the band, will be their first experience at this level of bandingIreland Colliery Chesterfield

Delighted

A spokesman told 4BR: “We are delighted with the players that have agreed to join the ICCB ranks and are also thankful for those within the band who have moved seats or even instrument.

This has put us in a really strong position heading to the Area’s in March which for 85% of the band, will be their first experience at this level of banding.”