Posted: 23/11/25
Derwent Brass is delighted to welcome Steph Wilshaw, who joins the band on Solo Cornet.
Steph brings an exceptional pedigree to the position. A graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, she has held prominent seats with leading Midlands ensembles, including Principal Cornet at Foresters Brass and, most recently, with the Enderby Band. She also played Solo Cornet with the Flowers Band under Paul Holland, and Desford Colliery, appearing with them on recordings and tours across the Far East.
Steph made her first appearance with Derwent Brass at the band’s recent victory at the LBBA Open Contest, contributing to a memorable winning performance of Peter Graham’s Harrison’s Dream.
Alongside her performing career, Steph is a dedicated educator with more than 15 years’ experience delivering brass, woodwind, piano and music theory tuition across Leicestershire, Warickshire and most recently Staffordshire. She is also the newly appointed Musical Director of the Audley Community Band, and her musicianship has been recognised with numerous best soloist awards throughout her career.
Steph’s arrival comes as part of a small reshuffle within the cornet team, with Chris Leonard moving from Solo to 2nd Cornet, taking over from Dan Hudson, who has unfortunately had to step away due to increasing work commitments. We thank Dan sincerely for his contribution and wish him every success for the future.
Reflecting on the appointment, Music Director Jack Capstaff said: “We are delighted to welcome Steph to Derwent Brass at a time of real forward movement for the band. Her exceptional musicianship and extensive experience are clear to all, but just as valuable is the positivity and professionalism she brings. That influence is already being felt throughout the band.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Steph to Derwent Brass and look forward to the music ahead.
