The Mount Charles Band has announced the appointment of Simon Badge as their new Musical Director.

Simon, a serving Royal Marine, has been playing Eb bass with the band over the last 12 months and has already enjoyed taking a number of rehearsals.

Impressed

Band Chairman Derek Thomas told 4BR: "We have all been impressed by Simon’s drive, energy and musicality in his rehearsals and the results that he has been achieving.

We are also delighted to bring some stability to the band with this appointment given that we have been without a full time MD for some time.

Simon brings with him a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and that unmistakable motivation to succeed associated with the Royal Marines."

Looking forward

Simon is also looking forward to the challenge as he added: "We have some really exciting projects and plans for the coming 12 months, including numerous concerts and important contests such as Yeovil, the West of England Area and the Grand Shield."

Simon brings with him a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and that unmistakable motivation to succeed associated with the Royal MarinesBand Manager, Derek Thomas

New signings

Two player positions have already been filled with the return of Martin Sanders on solo trombone and the arrival of Alister Berry on percussion, which follow on from the appointment of Jeremy Taylor and Jackie Berry on euphonium.

Derek Thomas added: "Mount Charles has always been committed to developing younger players, as well as welcoming experienced ones, and the future of the band looks very good indeed with these latest additions to our line up."