Grand Shield contenders Friary Brass has welcomed the arrival of new cornet signing Jacob Griffiths.

The young Cornishman started his playing journey with St Austell before studying trumpet on a music scholarship at Wells Cathedral School where he won the Nathan Hewitt Trumpet Prize.

First class honours

He gained a first-class honours degree in music from University of Manchester where he was one of the winners of the Manchester University Music Society Concerto Competition (2020) and earned the Proctor-Gregg Prize for Performance for his final recital.

During his studies he played flugel for Ashton-under-Lyne at 2020 North West Area contest.

Excited

Speaking about his banding return he said: "I've neglected banding for too long. Having grown up playing with St. Austell, getting back into contesting feels like a return to my roots. I'm really excited to be joining Friary and can't wait to contribute to this outstanding band.

In response, Friary Chairperson Andy Singleton added: "Jacob will strengthen our back row cornet section and we're delighted to welcome him to the Friary family."