Brighouse and Rastrick Band has appointed Kathleen Gaspoz as principal cornet - the first female to hold this position in the band’s long history. Kathleen, born in Switzerland, joins Brighouse from Black Dyke, where she has been part of the cornet section since moving to England in 2015. Kathleen is a former principal cornet
of the the European Youth Brass Band, and is currently a student at the Royal Northern College of Music. She told

BBW: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed principal cornet of Brighouse and Rastrick Band, fulfilling a lifelong goal. However, as I commence this new exciting chapter, I would like to thank all my friends at Black Dyke Band for the great times I’ve spent with them. I cannot wait to make my debut with Brighouse in Oostende at the European Championships.”

The appointment follows the retirement of Alan Morrison, who left a vacant soprano position to be filled by principal cornet, Dominic Longhurst - a decision that enables Dominic to give more focus to the trumpet as he continues to further his orchestral career.

Band spokesman, Ryan Watkins, commented: “Dominic and Kathleen are amongst the finest young brass musicians in banding today. We’re looking forward to hearing some exciting things from this new, dynamic duo.”