The Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced a trio of new signings ahead of their forthcoming appearances at the British Open and the National Final this autumn.

Percussion and baritones

The percussion ranks are expanded with the addition of Liam Mackay, who has just completed his first year of the BMus Timpani & Percussion course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Liam previously played with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, Carnoustie & District and Kirkintilloch, and is a past winner of the SBBA percussion solo award and 'Young Musician of the Year' in his home city of Dundee.

Meanwhile, a full replenishment of the baritone section comes with the addition of Chris Flynn on solo baritone and Sarah Knight on second.

Both young players are rising stars in the Scottish banding scene, with 16 year old Chris a past winner of the SBBA Intermediate Solo Championship and Sarah a prize winning soloists with Arbroath Instrumental and Carnoustie & District bands.

Sarah has also studied under Bede Williams at St. Andrews University, and recently won the University's concerto competition, performing the premiere of Paul Mealor's 'Baritone Concerto' as part of her prize.

Fortunate position

Newly appointed Band Chairman Chris Davies told 4BR: "We find ourselves in the very fortunate position being able to attract some of Scotland's finest young players to the band, and we're thrilled to have them on board.

We plan to do whatever we can to nurture them and give them a platform to display their talents."

We've made some big changes, both in terms of players and management, and the future looks bright in everything we do. We are determined to once again make our mark at the very top of major championship bandingChairman, Chris Davies

Looking forward

Chris also told 4BR that despite recent difficulties, the former Scottish champion is now looking forward to the future with renewed confidence — backed by these latest signings.

"It has been a trying period following the demands of our European Championship appearance, but we are determined to harness the positive energy buzzing now around the stands.

We've made some big changes, both in terms of players and management, and the future looks bright in everything we do. We are determined to once again make our mark at the very top of major championship banding."