Posted: 13/01/23
Derwent Brass finished 2022 on a high following their BBE Innovation Award, a string of successful Christmas events, a world premiere and being nominated for 4BR Band of the Year.
The festive period and transition into new year has seen them continue such fortune, signing a quintet of new players.
Scott Pearson steps into the Principal EEb Tuba seat, together with wife Sarah Pearson who joins the backrow cornet team. Both players have significant banding experience having performed at most major contests with the likes of The Ransome Band, Thorntons and more recently Thoresby Colliery.
Ed Culpin makes the move to Euphonium having previously played Solo Baritone with the Leicester Co-op Band, following the departure of James Emberley due to high work commitments. Ed is a rising star having recently won the British Open Slow Melody (U17s), Best Soloist at Youth Brass in Concert and Best Soloist at the Butlins Youth Championships under the tutorage of Katrina Marzella.
Dan Garland also makes a quality addition to the trombone section. Tutored by Brett Baker, he was formerly Solo Trombone with the Rockingham Band and won Best Soloist at the Bolsover Festival of Brass 2021.
Finally, the band sees the welcome return of Steve Thompson to the first horn seat. Steve has previously played with many top bands including the Ransome Band, Carlton Main and Desford Colliery and has performed at all major contests. Conor Harron makes the switch from first to second horn adding weight to the vacancy left by Abbey Bower who is now taking time away from banding to raise a family - we wish her all the very best.
“We continue in very exciting times here at Derwent Brass. There is so much going on, but nothing is more important to us than maintaining a full and committed membership. We are delighted to secure the talents of all our recent signings and particularly with regards to Principal EEb Tuba which has been a longer than normal search to find a player of Scott’s quality. With these signings we combine vast experience with an injection of youth, and we are excited to see how this will develop the band in the coming months.” (Chris Leonard, Band Manager)
