15 Feb 2026
Hannah, Carys and Sara join the ranks ahead of the new contest season...
Wantage Band are pleased to announce a trio of new signings as they look ahead to the contesting season, with Carys Owen joining on cornet, Hannah Kelly coming in on percussion, and Sara Wallbridge returning to the flugel seat.
New Faces
Carys’ banding journey began at the Enderby organisation, and more recently she has played with Wantage Concert Brass and as principal cornet of the Oxford University Brass Band. There she found success, playing a key role in the band’s victory at the Unibrass Shield and securing promotion to the Trophy Section.
Percussionist Hannah has previously played with City of Wrexham, Liverpool Brass Band and City of Oxford Silver. Continuing the band’s connection with Oxford University, she held the flugel seat for Oxford University Brass Band and is currently studying for a doctorate in cancer sciences alongside her music.
A Welcome Back
Sara has previously held a number of seats within the band, having recently taken a break to focus on her young family. She found that she could not stay away for long and now plays flugel with Wantage Band. Sara also brings with her musical knowledge from working as a teacher within the organisation and as the conductor of Wantage Youth Brass.
The View from the Front
Wantage Band MD Chris King remarked, “These appointments mark an exciting step forward. They have settled in exceptionally well and will undoubtedly be a great asset to the band, especially as we head into contest season.”