Following the recent announcements of John Doyle as Principal Cornet/Associate Conductor, and Howard Evans to direct their performance at the North West Area contest, Leyland has announced that negotiations are currently being finalised with Philip Harper to become their new Principal Conductor.

First engagement

Philip’s first engagement will be at the English Nationals in June.

Although existing diary commitments mean that the collaboration can’t begin immediately, in the meantime they will be working with Musical Director Emeritus Richard Evans, Russell Gray, Howard Evans and John Doyle in preparing the band for a number of projects.

These are exciting times for Leyland and the band is eager to continue to build on the successes of the last couple of yearsLeyland Band

Major player

Philip told 4BR: "I’m looking forward to leading Leyland and continuing the super work begun by Jason Katsikaris in re-establishing the band as a major player in the contest arena, and as a trailblazer for new and innovative brass band music to the general public."

Exciting times

A spokesperson for Leyland added: "These are exciting times for Leyland and the band is eager to continue to build on the successes of the last couple of years. The appointment of John Doyle and the collaboration with Philip Harper are two massive steps in achieving this goal."