The Flowers Band has officially announced the appointment of David Childs as their new principal euphonium.

The international soloist will join the West of England Champion next month following the departure of Andrew Hicks.

Thrilled

Band Manager Lee Downie told 4BR: "We’re thrilled to welcome David to Flowers. He was kind enough to help us out as a guest earlier this year, but from December he’ll be performing with us as a full-time member of the band."

Arguably one of the highest profile musicians the brass band movement has produced, regularly performing as a soloist throughout the world, David is Euphonium Professor at both the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as an artist and clinician for Besson Musical Instruments.

Return

David added: "I’ve always enjoyed playing with bands and it’s something I’ve missed since leaving Cory, so when this opportunity presented itself I was more than happy to explore the possibility of making a return with Flowers.

Naturally, my solo commitments mean there will be occasions when I’m out of the country and unavailable, but this has been discussed and we have a mutual understanding on the matter. Right now I’m excited about the prospect of playing with the band."

Spearhead return

Flowers will hope that the new signing will spearhead a return to the British Open in 2014, as well as seeing the band secure hat-tricks at both the West of England Area Championship and Yeovil Entertainment Contest.

David’s first contest appearance will be in January at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships, just a week after he records a new Concerto CD with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and a week before he appears as guest soloist with Foden’s at the Festival of Brass in Manchester.

I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m confident his contribution will bring a new dimension to the bandFlowers MD, Paul Holland

Fits the bill

Flowers Musical Director Paul Holland added: "David is clearly not joining Flowers for exposure or opportunity — he’s joining because he’s keen to play with a band again and Flowers fits the bill.

I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m confident his contribution will bring a new dimension to the band."