Cornets (Back Row)
A brass band has more cornets than any other instrument with 10 being the normal compliment. On the back row we have the Repiano, two seconds and two thirds taking the harmony parts.
Over the top of all this is the soprano cornet, the highest pitched instrument in the band.
ELSPETH HACKETT - Repiano Cornet
Elspeth joined the band in the summer of 2007, after playing for another band in Croydon for several years. She was 'persuaded' to join us by her husband Matthew who happens to be the current conductor of the band ! She has taken on the responsibility of the contest secretary, and is now heavily involved in all aspects of the band administration.
HILARY LOWE - 2nd Cornet
After a long absence Hilary rejoined the band in the summer of 2006. She has been a member of the band on and off for almost 20 years. She has two grown up daughters, and has the luxury of a 10 minute drive away from her work in Seaford.
AMY RICHARDSON - 2nd Cornet
The first time Amy picked up a brass instrument was in March 2005 when she received lessons from the band’s resident tutor, Sian Buss. After three months of tuition Amy joined the band in summer 2005 playing 3rd cornet. She progressed to 2nd cornet after two years in the band, and won the Most Improved Player of the Year award for 2008. Anyone who wonders whether they can learn to play a new instrument as an adult should take this as proof that it can be done! Amy keeps herself busy with her day job as a solicitor. She is also a member of the band’s committee.
JONATHAN SKINNER - 3rd Cornet
Jonathan is a fairly new member to the band. He is one of several members who commmute to an IT job in London, so invariably curses the trains whenever he turns up late for rehearsal. He hails from the north of England and annually attends the world famous Whit Friday marches with his previous university band.
JOHN HODKINSON - 3rd Cornet
John is our youngest player and one of Sian Buss’ students. He started playing the cornet following a music taster evening at school in Hexham, Northumberland and thanks to great encouragement from his teacher, Dave Hignett, has never looked back. Moving back to Sussex in 2007 John continued to play the cornet and began lessons with Sian and has recently passed Grade 6 with merit. He was introduced to the band, by Sian, in Spring 2009.