The Hammonds Band has announced the appointment of the vastly experienced Steven Walsh as their new solo euphonium.

No stranger

Steven is no stranger the band, having played alongside MD Morgan Griffiths when they were known as the Yorkshire Building Society Band.

During that time he helped the band to the All England Masters, British Open and European Championship titles and also performed at Sydney Opera House as part of the YBS 'Kings of Brass' Tour in 2005. He has also played with many of the best Championship Section bands in the UK and was solo euphonium with Brighouse & Rastrick, Fairey and Leyland.

In 2006 he completed his Masters in Musical Performance at Salford University and has won numerous solo and instrumentalist awards.

Great pleasure

In a press release on the Hammonds website he said: "It is a great pleasure to accept the position of principal euphonium with the Hammonds Band.

I hold Morgan Griffiths in the highest regard. He has always been my inspiration as a euphonium soloist and it's great to team up with him and the band once more."

It is wonderful to welcome Steven back. He is one of the finest euphonium players around at the moment. He brings a wealth of experience and quality to an already very strong sectionMD, Morgan Griffiths

Wealth of experience

In response Morgan Griffiths added: "It is wonderful to welcome Steven back. He is one of the finest euphonium players around at the moment. He brings a wealth of experience and quality to an already very strong section. We can't wait to get back in the bandroom and hear him."

The band took the opportunity to thank Ashley Higgins, who moves to 2nd euphonium due to increased work commitments, and Steve Gordon who stepped down due to increased travelling commitments.