The AW Parker (Drybrook) Band has announced the departure of Musical Director Steve Ruck after a successful 18 months directing the band.

Father to son

However, they have also announced that Steve’s talented son, Josh has taken over the baton from his father with immediate effect.

During Steve’s time in charge the band enjoyed successes at the Oxford, Wychavon, GBBA Annual and GBBA Entertainment contests. Earlier this year he led the band to a qualification place at the Third Section National Finals, where last week they ended a very fine 6th.

Work pressures

However, due to increased work pressures, he is no longer able to continue giving the amount the time to the band that he would wish.

Luckily the band has been able to find the ideal replacement in Josh, who is a student at Cardiff University studying music, and who is also resident MD at Tongwynlais Temperance, who he will continue to conduct and play for.

We wish both Steve and Josh well in the new roles and look forward to building on the band’s success over the last couple of years as we prepare for life in the Second Section in 2013AW Parker (Drybrook) Band

Support

Josh recently led Severn Tunnel at the National Finals in the Fourth Section, and in the meantime, Steve will support Josh and the AW Parker (Drybrook) Band by signing to play cornet.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We wish both Steve and Josh well in the new roles and look forward to building on the band’s success over the last couple of years as we prepare for life in the Second Section in 2013."