Hammonds Saltaire is currently working hard on its preparations for its first appearance in a decade at the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall, and has been boosted by the signing of two new cornet players.

New players

Sharon Swales joins the Yorkshire representatives from Skelmanthorpe Band where she has played for the last 18 years — the last four as principal cornet.

Meanwhile A-level student Kier Evans-Brown joins from Hatfield Band. Kier has been the principal cornet of the Yorkshire Youth Band and a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

It's fantastic to welcome our new players, who have both impressed with the quality of their music makingMorgan Griffiths

Fantastic

Hammonds Saltaire MD Morgan Griffiths told 4BR: "It's fantastic to welcome our new players, who have both impressed with the quality of their music making.

They now complete a very strong cornet line up, with Sharon's experience and Keir's youthful endeavour ideal for us."