Brett Baker joins Cory
Hot on the heels of a new soprano cornet signing, Cory has announced the appointment of Brett Baker to the solo trombone seat. Brett was a long serving former Principal Trombone of the Black Dyke Band, is the Sales Director for Denis Wick & Alliance Products, and an Artist for Michael Rath Brass Instruments as well as Chair of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators. A move back to his home county of Gloucestershire in 2025 has enabled this appointment, and he will be relinquishing his Musical Directorship at Elland Silver after a period of notice to join Cory.
MD Philip Harper commented, “I’m delighted to be able to welcome Brett to the band as Principal Trombone, and I know the whole band is looking forward to working with him. His qualities as a brass soloist need no introduction and he was brilliant for Cory earlier this year when he both played on our recording of The Year of the Dragon with its famous trombone solo, and also played a key role in our Welsh Regional win in Swansea. We look forward to many more future achievements together.”
Brett Baker commented, “I am really looking forward to this new chapter, working with Philip Harper and the Cory Band. After having only great first experiences with the band so far, it is exciting and daunting to be moving back home to the Forest of Dean after living in Cheshire for most of my adult life. The Denis Wick factory is in Dorset, with the administrative office in Tamworth, and now I am mainly home based for work, I can be closer to my parents, and the farm estate but also local to a fantastic band. I am very much looking forward to my first official concert with the band and what the future holds”.
Stephen Sykes has left the Cory Band at the end of his trial period. The band would like to place on record its thanks to Steve for his nine months of hard work and dedication, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
