Uppermill Band are excited to announce three new additions to their ranks, significantly strengthening the band as it enters a rebuilding phase. Thomas Bull joins on front row cornet following a short break from playing; he is a product of Hebden Bridge Junior band and has played for Friendly Band, Pilling Jubilee and Lancaster University Brass Band.

Debbie Whiteley-Sykes began her musical career as a saxophonist but moved to cornet under the guidance of the late Neil Jowett eight years ago and hasn’t looked back since. She has played for Lindley Band’s Tower Brass, Huddersfield and Ripponden Band and Emley Band and with the encouragement of Uppermill’s horn section is now realising a long held ambition to play tenor horn.

Finally, Ben Emms has joined the band on Eb bass, showing his flexibility after a 20 year tenure on Bb bass, most recently with Friezland Band. Debbie said, “the band have been incredibly welcoming from the second I stepped through the door. I’ve always wanted to give horn a go in a senior band and everyone has been really supportive.”

Band Secretary Katie Woodward commented, “we are really pleased to have attracted three players of this calibre and experience. They’ve fitted straight into the team and have got our rebuild off to a really good start.” We are looking to further strengthen our team and build for the future. We would like to recruit a couple of CORNET PLAYERS (principal cornet available to the right player) and a BBb or EEb BASS player.

Contact soon to avoid disappointment: Katie Woodward (Band Secretary) on 07949 559 200 or get in touch.