One of the brass banding world’s longest serving Musical Directors has decided to call it a day, with the news that Neil Jowett will be hanging up his baton with the Lindley Band after 30 years at the helm at the end of the year.

Distinguished

Prior to his appointment in 1981, Neil had served the band as a distinguished principal cornet, and gave up the opportunity to extend a blossoming playing career with Black Dyke to take over a band that required extensive rebuilding.

In the following four decades Neil has become one of the banding movement’s most respected conductors and has led Lindley to numerous successes both on the contest and concert platforms.

High performance

A spokesperson told 4BR: "For many years Neil maintained high performance standards and been very popular with audiences. He has also been active in all facets of moving the band forward, especially in the building of a new bandroom three years ago."

They added: "The committee and band have very reluctantly accepted his resignation. We owe him a great debt of gratitude and we are delighted that he will remain involved with the Lindley organisation as Chairman and Trustee."

We owe him a great debt of gratitude and we are delighted that he will remain involved with the Lindley organisation as Chairman and TrusteeLindley Band

New MD

The band has also announced that the talented Jason M Smith will follow in Neil’s footsteps and become Musical Director.

The former Besses, Brighouse and Milnrow player has been developing his conducting skills in recent years with positions at Golborne, Whitworth Vale and Healey and Carrbrook.

The spokesperson added: "The band was very impressed with Jason’s musical ability and enthusiasm and are looking forward to a successful and happy period together."