A 16 year old schoolboy from York is believed to be Britain’s youngest official brass band conductor.

Jack Capstaff, who goes to Huntington School, was appointed Musical Director of the York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band, a popular non-contesting band frequently seen playing in and around York in January.

In the blood

There is something in the blood for Jack as his older brother Nicholas Eastwood became the conductor of Honley Band near Huddersfield aged 19.

Adjudicator

This Sunday, Jack will also show off his adjudicating skills too, as he will be part of the 4BR/British Bandsman Youth Adjudication Panel at the Fourth Section Yorkshire Regional Championships in Bradford.

Jack told 4BR: "It’s a great honour – and I get to meet composer Phillip Sparke. He’s my brass band hero."

He is a very competent and committed young musician with lots to offer the brass band world now and in the futureGordon Eddison

Future

Jack was put forward for the panel by Gordon Eddison, MD of the York Railway Institute Band, for which the hard-working youngster also plays cornet.

He told 4BR: "He is a very competent and committed young musician with lots to offer the brass band world now and in the future."

Talented

The talented teen began playing the cornet aged 11 with the Shepherd Group Beginners Band, progressing rapidly into their concert band. By 13 he had been promoted to the Shepherd Group’s senior band in the Championship Section.