Fresh from their recent successful promotion performance at the British Open Spring Festival Senior Trophy contest, the Amersham Band has welcomed the permanent signing of new players to their ranks.

New signings

An integral part of their runner-up finish at the Winter Gardens was recent signing Mike Lovatt on soprano cornet. The acclaimed trumpet star has been a friend of MD Paul Fisher for over 20 years as well as being a proud Vice President of the band — but has now taken on the sop role and is enjoying every bit of it.

He has been joined in the cornet section by well-known banding figure Craig Patterson, who will be sharing soprano duties with Mike when he is off hitting the high notes with various big bands and orchestras.

Also joining the experienced pairing was 17 year old Matt Horton, a product of the organisation's growing AmBand set up.

Matt started playing in the band's Brass Roots ensemble before moving into the Community Band and becoming principal cornet of both Amersham Concert Brass and Amersham Youth Band.

Meanwhile, the Spring Festival success saw the impressive debut of Emma Edwardson on solo horn, with the former Tredegar player also enjoying the opportunity to play with the band after taking a family break.

Wonderful additions

Speaking about the signings and the recent success, MD, Paul Fisher told 4BR: "Mike's long term involvement and commitment to us is well known and has of course given everyone a huge boost, whilst Craig is a wonderful addition to the ranks with so much experience and knowledge.

Emma was the musical icing on the cake so to speak in Blackpool and the pride everyone had is seeing Matt now with us is testament to the organisation's long term ambitions.

He's put in the work and thoroughly deserves his opportunity. He's a fine young player and has a brilliant future ahead of him."

Playing in the Spring Festival cemented that team feeling and I was so proud to play with everyoneMike Lovatt

Team feeling

The players certainly enjoyed the Blackpool experience with Mike telling 4BR: "Playing in the Spring Festival cemented that team feeling and I was so proud to play with everyone."

Emma added: "Having taken a break I'm really enjoying playing regularly again, with a great bunch of people. I'm also hoping with the fantastic youth set up that I can get my boys involved in the future too."

Meanwhile Craig is now looking forward to experiencing that himself: "I'm really looking forward to playing with the band. They are a great bunch of people. Rehearsals are friendly and fun, aiming for the highest musical standards at all times."