Back Row Boost for Sovereign

We are delighted that our search for a permanent 3rd cornet has ended with the signing of David Hayes, an experienced player who is returning to full-time banding after a long break.

David first started to play the cornet at the age of nine, and at the age of eleven he joined Black Country Brass, which had been founded by his school's headmaster. He held the repiano seat at BCB for most of his twelve years with the band, which included their rapid promotion from the 4th section to the 2nd (now 1st) section over four years. During David's time with BCB, they won the Birmingham Brass contest and qualified for two National Finals in London.

David later moved to the flugel horn seat, before joining Hanger Motors Band (later Banks's Brewery Band), where he stayed until 1989. Since then, he has played flugel horn with the Phoenix Brass Ensemble, a local 10+-piece band formed by Sovereign's former principal cornet Karl Slater and conducted by Sovereign's former MD Trevor Jones.

In August 2024 David took early retirement after a 45-year career as an Architectural consultant in the housebuilding industry. His retirement has allowed him to return to playing the cornet and to re-join a brass band (including more practice time!).

After a few months on front row with Wolverhampton Community Brass, David was pleased to join Sovereign on 3rd cornet in February 2025, only four weeks before the Area contest at Bedworth. This was David's first contest in 35 years and suitably nerve-wracking - especially as Sovereign were drawn to follow Desford on stage!

David is finding his return to full-time banding with Sovereign in the Championship section very enjoyable, especially as he has been made so welcome.

We're delighted to have you on board, David!