The University of Salford has announced that Brett Baker has been as appointed a Performance Fellow, and is to take over from Dr Robert Childs in working with brass and wind bands, student ensembles and student conductors within its Music Directorate.

Doctoral work

Dr Richard Rock told 4BR: "Brett is completing his Doctor of Musical Arts study over the next 12 months and has been able to apply his doctoral work with Salford students in a variety of classes over the past year, especially in the performance technique areas, along with University Brass Band concerts."

Brett joins the university’s team of specialist brass tutors which include Mark Wilkinson, Brian Taylor, Sheona White, Billy Millar, Peter Christian, Les Neish and Andrea Price.

The Black Dyke trombonist will continue to take on many of Howard Evans' responsibilities until his return at the end of 20134BR

Evans return

The Black Dyke trombonist will continue to take on many of Howard Evans' responsibilities until his return at the end of 2013.

Howard is looking forward to his return to Salford when his health issues are resolved later in the year, and added: "Whilst I have had to have enforced rest from my Salford responsibilities, it has been great to know that people of the calibre of Brett Baker have been able to continue a culture of excellence at the University.

It's really good to see Brett becoming more of a fixture within the fantastic team of people we have working with us in the Music Directorate."

Newsome premiere

Meanwhile, Dr Nicholas Childs will be directing the University of Salford Brass Band in the world premiere of Darrol Barry's 'Newsome Variations', in a concert in October.