Hepworth Announces New Principal Cornet
Hepworth Band has announced the appointment of emerging cornet star Oliver Tattersall as its new Principal Cornet player ahead of a busy 2026 contest campaign, continuing at the Grand Shield in Birmingham in May.
Oliver started his cornet playing career at the age of four, alongside his mum, Karen, and went on to receive Rochdale Music Service lessons at the age of six from Joe Murtagh. Oliver's musical education continued to develop in earnest, with him going on to take part in the Junior Royal Northern College of Music in 2022 and where he continues to this day, receiving trumpet lessons off Graham South.
Oliver's first foray into brass band contesting was in 2018, with local fourth section band BMP Europe Goodshaw Band, under the baton of Alan Seymour. Oliver enjoyed some great early successes with the band, culminating with a win at the 2020 North West Regional Championships, where he appeared with the band as Principal Cornet under David Ashworth. Oliver later moved to Whitworth Vale and Healey Band and sat alongside his dad, a highlight being the band's win at the 2023 second section national finals! Oliver has been the Principal Cornet player at Whitworth Vale and Healey since then, with his final contest appearance having been the band's appearance in the Championship Section at Blackpool this year
Oliver has taken part in numerous courses with the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and is a Dennis Wick Young Ambassador. Commenting on his new role as Hepworth’s Principal Cornet player, Oliver stated, “I'm looking forward to progressing further at Hepworth Band and am excited to be sat amongst some great players, as well as competing against some of the best bands in the world in what looks set to be an exciting 2026!”
Music Director Ryan Watkins is clear that Oliver is already proving to be a huge asset to the band adding, “I’m thrilled to welcome Oliver to the band as our new Principal Cornet. Oliver is one of the most exciting young musicians I’ve had the pleasure to listen to. His talent and work ethic are remarkably impressive for his age, and I’m excited to see him continue his development within the Hepworth team, who have a proven track record of nurturing young musicians with exceptional potential.”
Oliver will make his first contest appearance at the 2026 Grand Shield at Birmingham Town Hall in May, ahead of a busy summer of march contests and an exciting autumn for Hepworth. The band would like to thank Harry Porthouse for his contribution to what was a great 2025 and wish him all the very best for the future.
