Grimethorpe appoints Jamie Smith as Principal Cornet
Grimethorpe Colliery Band are delighted to announce that Jamie Smith has been appointed as the band’s Principal Cornet. Jamie has previously held the position of Principal Cornet with the Hammonds and Flowers Bands, as well as being Principal Cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He is also a member of the award winning A4 Brass Quartet and Musical Director of the Hade Edge Band.
Jamie commented, “I am delighted to be returning back to Grimethorpe Colliery Band. It is a band with such a rich and unique history, and one that demands the highest musical standards. I am ex-cited to get started in what I hope will be a fruitful partnership!”
The band’s Musical Director David Thornton added, “I’m delighted that Jamie Smith will be the band’s new Principal Cornet. I’ve been so impressed by his performances both with the A4 Brass Quartet and Flowers over the last few years - he’s a perfect fit for the band. He is passionate about banding and particularly passionate about GCB, and I look forward to him helping us shape the future at Grimethorpe. I’d also like to thank Iain Culross for his leadership & playing since I’ve been with Grimethorpe. Iain’s versatility as a musician will always mean he’s in great demand, and I wish him all the best for the future.”
The band would also like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution Iain Culross has made to Grimethorpe. With increased travelling pressures the high level of commitment needed to play with one of the world’s busiest brass bands was difficult to sustain, but the band are indebted to him for leading them with such class and flair.
Jamie’s first concerts with the band will include ‘Brassed Off Live’ at the Royal Albert Hall on 25th May, following which the band will be performing at KKL Concert Hall in Lucerne on 2nd July. A spokesperson for the band concluded, “This is an exciting time for Grimethorpe and all at the band are looking forward to what the future will bring with Jamie sitting in one of the most prestigious seats in banding.”
(photo credit Dave Nichols)
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