The AW Parker (Drybrook) Band has announced the appointment of Steve Ruck as their new Musical Director.

Return

It sees a return to the band for Steve who played solo cornet when still at school.

Steve’s playing career, on leaving Drybrook, took him to Sun Life Stanshawe in 1979 and in more recent years to Tredegar before moving to Flowers in 2010.

Successful spells

Steve’s appointment as MD at AW Parker (Drybrook) follows a successful spell as MD at Pillowell Silver Band during 2009 and 2010.

Steve told 4BR: "I’m really looking forward to the challenge. The band has enjoyed fantastic success over the last twelve months and I hope to build on this in the future."

He added: "The enthusiasm and dedication is second to none and the opportunity to conduct a band with such wonderful facilities and well attended rehearsals was too good to miss."

Quick baptism

The band’s first contest under their new MD will be the Wychavon Festival of Brass, followed quickly by the SEWBBA Blaenavon and GBBA contests as they prepare for promotion to the Third Section in 2012.

We are thrilled to appoint Steve and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with himSecretary, Dave Harding

Thrilled and thanks

Band Secretary David Harding added: "We are thrilled to appoint Steve and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with him. It is always difficult when changing MD but after a lengthy audition process we are sure that we have made the right appointment."

The band would also like to take the opportunity to thank Colin Hogg who has been deputising whilst the search for a new MD has been taking place.