The fornmer YBS, Fairey and Brighouse & Rastrick euphonium star Michael Howley has announced that he will be conducting the Danish Champions, Brass Band Concord, at the forthcoming European Brass Band Championship in Linz in Austria.

Special

Michael told 4BR: "It's a very special competition for me. I've enjoyed plenty of success and have been involved in some memorable performances."

Having taken up the baton during his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Michael has acquired experience in conducting choirs, wind and brass bands bands under some of the best known conductors in the banding world, including James Gourlay, Allan Withington and David King.

Michael first worked with Brass Band Concord in August 2009, during their preparation for the National championships and is very upbeat about their prospects in May.

With hard work and dedication there is no reason why we can't go and suprise a few people at the contestMichael Howley

Potential

He recalled: "Immediately I knew that there was potential for this group of players to become a really great band. With hard work and dedication there is no reason why we can't go and suprise a few people at the contest."

Michael is currently the Musical Director of the Grange Moor Band and is busy plotting their assault on the upcoming Yorkshire Regional Championships.