Grimethorpe Colliery Band has certainly not wasted the opportunity to be busy in the enforced banding lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Following the recent signings of BBb tuba player Joe Boyce and baritone Marrianne Garbutt, the band has secured the signing of former Fairey Band principal cornet Stephanie Wilkins. The highly respected player spent two years with the Stockport Band, and now joins on repiano cornet.

Over the moon

The news of the signing was published on the Grimethorpe Facebook page, on which she stated: "I'm over the moon to be joining Grimethorpe. It's a band I've always admired growing up and have been impressed with both on concert and contest stages"

She added: "I've spent just short of two enjoyable years at Faireys and I'm grateful for their friendship and the opportunity to have been principal cornet.

Having previously played repiano at Cory, this is a seat which I love and I'm excited to be playing again, alongside working with David Thornton and the band's fantastic soloists, and to be part of the wonderfully unique team of musicians at Grimethorpe."

Welcome

In response, Musical Director David Thornton commented: "I'm delighted that we can welcome such an experienced musician to Grimethorpe.

Steph's reputation and achievements speak for themselves and I could not be more excited to continue our work to build a team of talented and committed players to take Grimethorpe forward into the future."

Steph's reputation and achievements speak for themselves and I could not be more excited to continue our work to build a team of talented and committed players to take Grimethorpe forward into the futureDavid Thornton

CD release

The band has also announced that their latest CD, 'Mysteries of the Horizon' will be released on April 10th on the NAXOS label.

It features the music of the award winning composer Nigel Clarke and features four of his major works; 'Dial 'H' for Hitchcock', 'Swift Severn's Flood', 'Earthrise' and the rhapsodic title track cornet concerto, featuring the talents of Belgian superstar Harmen Vanhoorne.