The Fairey Band has announced the signing of Charlotte Horsfield on second trombone. She replaces Isobel Daws, with the BBC Young Brass Award winner now prioritising her educational studies.

Charlotte is a first year student at the RNCM in Manchester and joins having played solo trombone at Hammonds Saltaire for the last two years. She will make her debut appearance with the band at the RNCM Festival of Brass this weekend.

Fantastic young player

Principal trombone Rebecca Lundberg told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome Charlotte. She is a fantastic young player who adds to the blend of youth and experience that we are renowned for.

We would also wish Isobel all the best with her future playing endeavours. It's been a delight to play in a section with her and we're pleased that we have been able to support her as part of what will undoubtedly be a high successful musical career."

We're delighted to welcome Charlotte. She is a fantastic young player who adds to the blend of youth and experience that we are renowned forPrincipal trombone Rebecca Lundberg

Exciting year

Musical Director Prof Garry Cutt added: "Isobel has been a key member of the band over the last 18 months and we wish her well. However, we are delighted to be able to replace one talented young trombone player with another in Charlotte, who has made a great start over the last few weeks.

It promises to be an exciting year for Fairey, starting this weekend with a fantastic programme at the RNCM Festival of Brass, and of course working towards the European Championships."

New arrival

A potential future signing also arrived this week with the news that tuba star Gavin Saynor and his wife Ffion welcomed the arrival of their first child Caleb Emyr.