It’s all change on the front row at MSB, as our Principal Cornet
Rhiannon-Jane Smart hands over the reins to long-time friend Vicky Salisbury.
Due to work commitments, RJ is now taking on the valuable
role of ‘Bumper-Upper’, or ‘Second Hottie Along’!
The lovely ladies joined the band at the same time 17 years
ago, under the baton of Peter Cain, who has since sadly passed away. They have been friends ever since.
RJ stepped into the top seat in 2009 when Principal at the
time, Clare Hall took on the Musical Directorship. Rhiannon rose to the
challenge, working really hard to overcome nerves and lead the section, which
at one point consisted of just her!
She has done a grand job, tackling solos such a Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s
Emerald Skies.“I love being part of Team MSB,” she says. “I love it when we all pull together such as
for our film quiz concert a couple of years ago, playing great music and
working hard behind the scenes to put on a great show.”
After taking time out from band to start a family, Vicky is
back and loving it. We dropped her right
in at the deep end at her first full gig as Principal, a WWI Centenary
commemoration, making her play the Last Post.
“I remember some great times with the band as a kid, such as
dressing up and having a laugh at our themed German Nights!” she says. “It’s
great to be back. I was nervous walking
back in after such a long time away but it was like I’d never left. The band is now a lively hub of music, heart
and friendship that I absolutely love being a part of! It has a fresh face and
is bringing banding into the modern world whilst upholding banding traditions
with pride.”
Rhiannon and Vicky are part of what is becoming a great
cornet section, with some familiar faces, new recruits and young learners. Peter would have been very proud of how far
they’ve come.
Do you want to be part
of Team MSB? Our doors are always open to new recruits and familiar faces! Join
our Facebook group or contact secretary@maneasilverband.co.uk to find out more…
