Brighouse and Rastrick Band are pleased to announce the return of Andy Bannister to the soprano cornet seat with immediate effect. The seat became vacant when Kevin Crockford decided to return to Grimethorpe Colliery Band 12 months after he left them to join 2010 and 2011 National Champions B&R.
The soprano cornet is an incredibly important part in a brass band being the highest pitched instrument in the band and because there is only one soprano cornet allowed in a contesting band.
Andy commented: “I am delighted to be returning to Brighouse & Rastrick Band. I first played soprano at B&R over 20 years ago and had 5 incredibly happy years. To be able to return to my old seat is an exciting prospect and I just can’t wait to get started and be part of the great B&R organisation once more”
Paul Beaumont, entrepreneur and President of B&R remarked: “It’s an interesting situation when Kevin Crockford leaves B&R to re-join Grimethorpe due to the amount of time it takes him to travel to Brighouse and then Andy Bannister re-joins B&R from Grimethorpe as a result of the time commitments associated with the position at Grimethorpe – anyway we are very pleased to have Andy back in the fold and would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for his commitment and professionalism while he was with us. B&R has always carefully balanced our commitments with our family life, choosing quality and return from concerts over quantity”.
Paul concluded: “Brighouse and Rastrick are looking forward to a very successful 2013 – expect further news of additional star signings shortly. After winning the National trophy in both 2010 and 2011 and then coming second (to a very worthy Fodens) in 2012 we are in fighting form and are clearing space in the trophy cabinet at West Ridings – our band room and headquarters in Brighouse”.