Solo Cornets

Matt Atkinson
Principal Cornet

Librarian

Matt first picked up the cornet when he was 9 years old. He joined his first Brass Band at the age of 13, and spent his next 6 years progressing through the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass system. Whilst at University, Matt was keen to sign up to the Keele University Brass Band, where he was quickly appointed the position of Principal Cornet. Playing in Unibrass, Matt got a taste of Brass Band contesting. After graduating from Keele, Matt joined Olney Brass where he has spent the last 9 years. During this time he competed with the band at two National Finals. Even before joining TSB, Matt has been no stranger to the band. Matt has performed with TSB at numerous engagements, attending the Butlins 2020 contest, and the Germany Tour in 2022. As of October 2023, Matt officially joins TSB on Principal Cornet. Matt‘s favourite Brass Band pieces include Paganini Variations, The Torchbearer, and Fire in the Blood.

Laura Winspear

Solo Cornet

Laura began playing the trumpet at the age of 11 under the tuition of Adele Sellers. Enjoying membership of a number of NMPAT county groups, Laura became principal trumpet of the County Youth Orchestra, County Youth Concert Band, and Principal Cornet of the County Youth Brass Band. In order to improve her sight reading Laura originally joined the band in the year 2000 (a great period for the band who won the the Midlands Regional Area, and rose to the championship section over the next few years). Laura left the band to study History at University and after some time living in Australia and London, Laura is now happily settled in Duston, Northampton with her husband, three children and four cats. (She is still working on her sight reading!)

Holly Winspear
Solo Cornet

Holly started learning the cornet at the age of 8 under the tuition of Giles Liddiard. Enjoying county groups, she started in the junior ensembles and is currently the flugel player with the County Youth Brass Band and also plays trumpet in County Youth Concert Band. Holly has also done concerts with Youth Brass 2000. Holly joined TSB in the summer of 2021 as has taken part in the regional Area competition with Towcester Studio Band three times so far and has also featured as a soloist at a number of concerts. In her spare time, Holly plays piano, enjoys time with her 4 cats and her family, and has been practicing chess. Most recently Holly has been under the teaching of John Bickerdike and is on grade 7. Holly is the proud recipient of Young Player of The Year for 2022. Holly has also recently become a member of Youth Brass 2000. The TSB band members are also grateful for the delicious cupcakes that Holly makes for us from time to time (watch out bake off).

Amy Waller
Solo Cornet