The Hepworth Band has announced the appointment of Michael Howley as resident Musical Director.

Howley

Michael has been working with Hepworth since the start of the year and prepared the band for its successful qualification performance at the Yorkshire Areas.He will be leading the band at the All England Masters International Championships this weekend.

Delighted

Michael told 4BR: "I’m delighted by the appointment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to work with a great band.

I really enjoyed working with Russell Gray for the Yorkshire Area, and am looking forward to the Masters before starting work with Ian Porthouse for the English Nationals and Michael Bach for the British Open."

I’m delighted by the appointment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to work with a great bandMD, Michael Howley

Open and National

Hepworth has also confirmed the news that Tredegar’s MD will lead them at Preston, with the rising star of Swiss banding taking them at Symphony Hall.

Michael Bach added: "I’m delighted to make my British contesting debut with Hepworth and I can’t wait to start the rehearsals.

‘Red Priest’ will be very interesting to work on and I’ll try to give my very best to make it a good experience for everyone involved."

Signings

The band has also announced a trio of principal signings, with Sean Conway taking over on euphonium from Mike Howley and David Karran coming in as principal cornet. Hannah Drage takes on the solo horn role.

David is currently studying at the University of Huddersfield and was principal cornet with the Skelmanthorpe Band, whilst Hannah, who is studying at Manchester Royal College of Music, was a semi finalist at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Musician competition.