Foresters Brass 2000 has said a fond farewell to their solo euphonium player Lucas Wong.

After graduating from Birmingham Conservatoire this year, Lucas has been selected to start training as he prepares for a new professional life with The Prince of Wales's Division Brass Band, based at RAF St Athan.

Welcome back

The band will be welcoming back Martyn Hoffman to take his place, after he recently returned to the area. Martyn's first contest will be at Leicester in November.

Conductor Jack Capstaff told 4BR: "Lucas's departure could have left the band with a massive hole to fill. However, Martyn is a fine player and I know he will be a great asset, and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

New signings

Meanwhile, the band also welcomes Mari Malm Morkved, who recently moved from Norway to work as Project Co-ordinator with the well known World of Sound company.

Mari, who replaces Savannah Bone on solo trombone, studied music at Salford University and has played for Sola, IIa and Nidaros Brass Bands. Savannah is currently in her crucial fourth year studies at Birmingham Conservatoire.

In addition, there are also the new signings of George Newbould and Chris Warner on cornet, James Whalley on baritone, Dom Law on trombone and Matthew Jolley on Eb Bass.

Our new signings are first class players and the band is really working hard towards the future with confidenceBand Chairperson Helen Parker-Bates

Confidence

Band Chairperson Helen Parker-Bates told 4BR: "Foresters has recently been through a rebuilding process, but I'm very proud of the way our players have loyally supported each other throughout this period.

Our new signings are first class players and the band is really working hard towards the future with confidence."