Friary strengthens ranks

Strengthening the euphonium section at Friary is Max Johnson, a British Army Band musician

based at Tidworth.  Max has played euphonium for 13 years, gaining extensive experience at a high level with  bands including Milnrow and Oldham Lees where he performed at the British Open.  He was honoured with the Best Euphonium Award at the Scottish Open in 2024.

‘I am excited to join Friary and look forward to contributing to the band’s success while continuing to develop as a performer,’ Max commented.

A second recent Friary recruit is Ed Neeve who has joined the back row cornets.  Ed has played with a number of bands in London and the South East, predominantly during spells on solo cornet with Medway and then Aveley and Newham.  More recently he has been focused on Salvation Army banding as a member of Croydon Citadel Band and the South London Fellowship Band.

Ed was equally enthusiastic:  ‘I'm really excited to be joining Friary, a band that for me has so often set the standard in the South East.  After a spell away from contesting I can't wait to get back into it and can't think of a better band with which to do so!,’ he said.

Friary has also said goodbye to tuned percussionist Martin Davies and cornet player Kendall Skirving who have moved up north to take up new employment, and also past chair and cornet player David Wicks who is stepping back from banding to concentrate on his other musical interests.  

Paying tribute to his predecessor, current chair Andy Singleton commented: ‘We are so sorry to see David leave Friary:  he is the ultimate bandsman who has not only been such a sound player but also as chair, has steered the band through some recent turbulent times.  We wish him all the very best for the future.’  ‘We are also sad to see two of our younger players, Martin and Kendall, move on but are delighted to welcome Max and Ed to the Friary family,’ he concluded.

Following some of these changes, Friary has vacancies for Eb bass, cornet (front row or back row) and tuned percussion.  Enquiries to Secretary Lauren (secretary@friarybrassband.com).