7 Jan 2025
A swap of seats and the band welcome a new member.
After a hugely busy November and December, Wantage Band has returned to their band hall with changes in the cornet section.
It follows the departure of long serving member Michael Kennett who has occupied the Repiano Seat for the last few years, rising up through the organisation since he was student at school. Michael has left for Perth, Australia where he starts his next exciting chapter and the entire WSB community wish him the very best of luck!
This has prompted a number of internal moves within the cornet section, most notably Richard Selvidge, who has been the band’s Principal Cornet for a number of years. Richard begins 2025 with a new challenge stepping into the Repiano Cornet role, a part which he is looking forward to getting his teeth into.
Richard adds “After 15 years on the Solo Cornet bench, the last three on Principal, I felt the time was right for a change and this is the perfect opportunity to make a move to another important position in the section. I'm really hoping to contribute to the continued improvement of the section going forward.”
Russell Jackson is no stranger on Tugwell Field (the home of WSB), joining the band over two years ago. A professional trumpet player and highly experienced teacher and musician, he’s had his fair share of solos with the band, performing Tico Tico, various solos within Chris King’s innovative entertainment programmes and most recently the fiendish cornet cadenza in Thierry Deleruyelle’s Fraternity at the LBBA Contest in November.
Russell has been announced as the band’s new Principal Cornet from this point on and looks forward to his debut outing, in this seat, on Sunday 9th February at the band’s first concert of the year, previewing their programme for the forthcoming Welsh Open Entertainment Contest shortly after.
He comments “I originally depped for the band at the Grand Shield in 2022. I’d had a break from banding for some years before this, but, when asked if I would join (and agreeing) little did I know that I’d have the privilege of being in this principal seat a couple of years on. I love the community and atmosphere at Wantage and see exciting years ahead for the band.”
With the busy period absorbing them in the months towards Christmas, the band want to also take the opportunity to formally welcome Stephanie Jonas to the band. From North Wales, a member of NYBBGB and formerly a member of the Northop Band, Steph has relocated to the area where she studies music at Oxford University. Having already performed with the band at various contests and concerts before Christmas, Steph joins a club of Oxford students who make their way to play with the band each week.
Band chair Sam Wyne says “We've been strengthening our links with Oxford University for some time now. Steph is now one of three full time students in the band and we are all the better for it. Steph is a talented player and the right fit for our band, and it's been great to see her already so well embedded within the group”
These moves and new addition leave just one seat available in the cornet section and the band are quite rightly keen to fill this as soon as possible.
Players interested should enquire by email to Sam Wyne contact@wantageband.org. Further information can be found on the WSB website www.wantageband.org and social meda @wantagesilverband.
Chris King, the band’s Musical Director, concludes “This band is a very good band indeed. Since taking over as conductor in June 23, they’ve risen to every challenge I’ve set and I couldn’t be more proud to be stood in the middle. I’m excited already for this year and look forward to welcoming another recruit to complete the cornet section and the band. Please do get in touch, they are a brilliant bunch!”