New signings at Co-operative Funeralcare
THE Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced a trio of new signings ahead of the British Open and the National Finals.
The percussion ranks are expanded with the addition of Liam Mackay. Liam has completed his first year of the BMus timpani and percussion course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has won several competitions, including the SBBA percussion solo award and young musician of the year in his home city of Dundee. Reflecting on his appointment, Liam said: "I'm thrilled to sign with the band, having played with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, Carnoustie Band and Kirkintilloch in the past."
A full replenishment of the baritone section sees the addition of Chris Flynn on solo baritone and Sarah Knight on second. Chris is just 16 but has already started to make a name for himself in Scottish banding. He started playing at the age of 10 and has won many regional solo titles, as well as the SBBA Scottish intermediate solo championship.
A previous principal euphonium player with both the Arbroath Instrumental and Carnoustie and District bands, Sarah has studied under Bede Williams at St Andrews University and recently won the university's concerto competition, performing the premiere of Paul Mealor's baritone concerto as a prize.
Chris Davies, Co-operative Funeralcare Band chairman, said: "We find ourselves in the very fortunate position of having attracted some of Scotland's finest young players to the band, and we're so very thrilled to have them on board. We plan to do whatever we can to nurture them and give them a platform to display their talents."
Chris was recently appointed chairman after a number of other changes at the top, as the band looks to the future. He added: "The band has been through a difficult period of late, but I'm determined to harness the powerful, positive energy buzzing around the stands.
"We've made some big changes to the band already, both in terms of players and management, and we're looking forward to the challenges ahead."
More information on the band's activities is available by logging on to the Co-operative Funeralcare Band website.
