Garforth Brass has announced the appointment of Michael Cox as their new Principal Conductor.

Area lead

Michael, who takes on the role with immediate effect, has been conducting the band since January, and will now lead them at the forthcoming Yorkshire Regional Championship in Bradford in March.

Restore

He was also part of the band’s resurrection in 2005 as solo EEb tuba, and is therefore understandably keen to restore them back to contesting glory, as he told 4BR: “When I was asked to lead the band for the forthcoming Yorkshire Regional Championships and beyond, and only living five minutes down the road it was difficult to say no!”

For the moment though, I’m looking forward to the challenge of keeping Garforth in the Third Section and gaining a good result at the Area contestMichael Cox

Rebuild

He added: “My aim is to rebuild the band to winning ways and enhance brass banding in Leeds. Being a Leeds man I feel we need more brass bands in the area — from youth to Championship Section.

For the moment though, I’m looking forward to the challenge of keeping Garforth in the Third Section and gaining a good result at the Area contest.”