Roche Brass

Soprano - Sam Johns

Profile coming soon

Repiano Cornet - Kirsty Heard

Profile coming soon

2nd Cornet - Tessa Dunn

Tessa started playing the Cornet at an early age in the Indian Queens Band under the tutelage of her father Lionel. She progressed very quickly, and it wasn't long until she was winning a host of solo prizes, including holding the title of Southwest Solo Champion for five consecutive years!

Tessa held the principal cornet seat with Indian Queens Band for many years, as well as playing for St. Austell and Bugle Bands.

After several years out of the banding world, Tessa has returned to playing with Roche Brass in May 2013.

2nd Cornet - Susan Lewis

Profile coming soon

3rd Cornet - Mark Leigh

Having started with Carharrack & St Day at the age of seven, in 1983, Mark moved via Lanner and Bodmin Town to Camborne in 1993. After a couple of years back at Bodmin he returned to Camborne in 2001.

He has been Principal Cornet of Cornwall Youth Brass Band and narrowly missed becoming Principal Cornet of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain when a second audition placed him in second position.

Mark suffers from mild asthma which the breathing techniques required in playing a brass instrument helps him to control. Mark is a Senior Officer in the Health Service.

After many successful and enjoyable years at Camborne, Mark joined Roche Brass in 2013.

3rd Cornet - Jacqui Peters

Profile coming soon

3rd Cornet - Faith Batten

Faith, otherwise known as Baby Bash, first picked up a cornet aged 3 and ‘played’ it surprising her family that she managed to get a note out of it at such a young age.

At aged 10 Faith revisited the cornet and had a few lessons in her primary school alongside also playing the guitar. When Faith started secondary school, she had to choose between playing cornet or guitar for her music lessons. Thanks to her father’s ‘gentle’ persuasion, the cornet won!

Faith had lessons with John Maines for two years where she flourished in confidence and formed the basics of her playing. When John moved away, Faith was taken under Anna Minear’s wing and continued her growth in playing.

In September 2022, Faith joined Bugle Silver Band under MD Mark Phillips. In March 2023, Faith played her first area contest with the band in Torquay. In March 2024, Bugle Silver Band came 1st in the areas and qualified to attend the National Championship of Great Britain in Cheltenham. In September 2024, Faith alongside Bugle Silver Band came  5th in the 4th section at Cheltenham.

In September 2023, Faith joined The Cornwall Youth Brass Band under MD David Johnson to meet the younger brass community and to be around people who were of the same mindset. Faith has moved from 3rd cornet, to repiano to 1st cornet during her time (and is currently cemented in her seat!)

During Faith’s brass ‘career’ she had been helping out Roche Brass at various concerts and carnivals. When a space came up for her in October 2024, she jumped at the chance to join and play alongside her Bb Bass father, Andrew ‘Bash’ Batten. She enjoyed taking all the glory when she joined and Roche Brass came 1st In Torquay for the first time in 10 years in March 2025!

Faith is enjoying her time at Roche Brass. Don’t tell her dad she prefers the guitar!