The Wantage Band has signed a trio of new players.

Musical Director Chris King welcomed the signings of Sam Atherton (flugel), Morris Harper (Eb bass) and Joseph Cockburn (percussion) as they look ahead to a busy Autumn and Christmas season of engagements.

Flugel

Sam joins on flugel after playing solo cornet at Alder Valley Brass and enjoying spells with the likes of Woodfalls, Rolls Royce (Derby) and Denmead.

"Flugel seats are rarely advertised, so when I saw one on offer at Wantage I knew this was something I wanted to pursue,"she told 4BR. "I've already enjoyed my time with the band so far and feel very fortunate to be joining such a lovely bunch of people."

Tuba

Morris joins having recently moved Oxford to study music and following many years participating in county ensembles at Gloucestershire Music Service as well as being a member of the National Youth Band of Great Britain. He also played with Wotton Band, where he had been a member since 2021.

Percussion

Meanwhile, the band is delighted Joseph has come up through the Wantage pyramid of ensembles to join the senior band.

He is studying for his GCSEs and experienced his first taste of top-flight banding at the British Open Spring Festival in May.

It's a pleasure to stand at the front of a band attracting such excellent players. Things are sounding brilliant!MD, Chris King

Welcome

Band Manager Gav Clemons told 4BR: "It's great to welcome these talented players. All are fantastic musicians and have a passion for what they devote lots of their spare time doing. On a personal level, returning to a full bass section is marvellous!"

The sentiments were echoed by MD, Chris King who added: "It's a pleasure to stand at the front of a band attracting such excellent players. Things are sounding brilliant!"

The trio make their official concert debuts later this month in a joint concert with Oxford University Brass Band and their contest debuts at the Wychavon Festival of Brass.