A Step Up to the Plate
A change in personnel at Foresters Brass sees promotion within the ranks as our younger talent shines through.
As Foresters begin to nurture and push players, sadly we inevitably have to say goodbye to friends that move on to pastures new. Three players that have left since the Area competition have opened up their places to new talent.
Our Second Euphonium Marcie Williams has taken up the Solo Baritone seat at Thoresby Band, "I've been a part of one of the most successful times in Foresters recent history and it's been great fun. Ben has led the section so well since he came and to be part of a win and a 2nd place at the areas with friends has been a lot of fun. Thank you as well to John Davis, it's been fantastic. I'm now looking forward to playing alongside my partner George [Newbould], at Thoresby."
Wishing Marcie all the very best of luck on her new challenge, Foresters were quick to act and find a replacement. With Solo Euphonium Ben Smith leading the line so well, he only had to look to family to step up in support. Jason Smith (dad) makes the move from Second Baritone to Second Euphonium.
Long term player Rob Wilshaw has recently been appointed Solo Trombone with the Flowers Band down in Gloucester. Upon leaving Foresters, Rob commented, "After previously leaving Foresters in 2015, it would take the draw of one of the World's best bands to pull me away from Foresters again. The band, and in particular John Davis, have afforded me so many opportunities to represent Foresters in multiple competitions and also to direct my own section. There's been many players I've performed with, but a special mention has to go to Jimmy Blay. Jimmy looked after me whilst I was worst for wear at Butlins, but more importantly looked after the section so well. A great young player with a very promising future ahead of him. I'm really proud we've been playing together for the past few years. A mention to Stuart on Bass Trombone as well - he's been great with the band and he's up to the challenge of top level banding."
Jimmy Blay now takes over the Solo Trombone seat and has already stamped his authority on the position. Rob said, "Jimmy won't take long to settle in to life on the end seat. He's young, talented and fearless. He can go as far as he wants to, and Foresters is the best band to send him on that journey."
The final farewell goes to Percussionist Stephen Fraser. Upon his performance over the 20th-22nd April on a CD project, Stephen has been offered and subsequently accepted the Kit and Percussion Player position, once again at Flowers Band. Stephen was reflective on his resignation, "During my time at Foresters I've had the great pleasure to work with some fantastic people, who are not only brilliant musicians but have also become close friends. We've won a few contests, and also qualified for the National Finals twice, and I wish the band all the best at Cheltenham in September. Special thanks to MD John Davis, who has been incredibly supportive and improved my playing immeasurably. Finally I'd like to thank Kirsty, Ellie and Andy, who've made leading a percussion section an absolute pleasure. Best of luck to the band going forward."
Foresters Brass will now look forward to the next date in the diary;
Date and Time: 19th May 2018 - 12:00 - 17:00
Name: Beer and Brass on the Grass Entertainments Contest
Location: Victoria Farm, High Cross Road, Lutterworth LE17 5AU
Description: After being awarded Best Overall Band and Best Soloist (Steph Ayton) last year, Foresters Brass look to retain the multiple awards we won last time at this young contest.
Date and Time: 19th May 2018 - 19:30 - 22:00
Name: Husbands Bosworth Church Concert
Location: Husbands Bosworth Church, Lutterworth, LE17 6LU
Description: A busy day for Foresters as we perform at the competition earlier and then travel down to our old stomping ground in Husbands Bosworth.
