York Railway Institute Band has announced the appointment of Chris Hirst as their new Musical Director.

Chris will take over the baton following the North of England band’s appearance at the Second Section National Finals in Cheltenham next month.

Musical experience

The former Salford and Birmingham University graduate has played for a number of top flight bands in a highly successful musical career as well as developing his conducting talents along the way.

He has worked as a brass teacher with the North Yorkshire County Music Service since 1988 and has been MD of the North Yorkshire Schools Concert Band since 2007. He is Head of Selby Music Centre and Assistant Head of the Music Service.

Chris joined York Railway Institute Band in 2011 as solo EEb bass, where he played alongside his cornet playing son, George.

Looking forward

As he told 4BR, he is now looking forward to taking over his new role: "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a playing member of the band as they are a wonderful group of dedicated musicians," he said.

"The commitment is truly remarkable, the like of which I haven't experienced since playing at the highest level and the band is managed with real professionalism.

I’m therefore very excited to be taking on the role of MD and hope to continue the success the band has enjoyed in recent years under Gordon Eddison."

We are very excited at the prospect of Chris leading us into the First Section and to help us realise our ambition to regain Championship status for the first time since the early 1990sChairman, Clive Marshall

Welcome

Band Chairman Clive Marshall welcomed the appointment by adding: "Chris is an excellent musician with an impressive pedigree as both a player and conductor.

We are very excited at the prospect of Chris leading us into the First Section and to help us realise our ambition to regain Championship status for the first time since the early 1990s."