Wantage Silver Band MD Phil Bailey has secured an exciting new step in his musical career by taking a leading role in the development of a prestigious British International School in Shanghai.

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Following a high profile international recruitment process, Phil was asked to fill the new role in China — one which will also see him linked to the world famous Juilliard School in New York — to write a new International Music Qualification for Key Stage 3, 4 & 5.

Unfortunately the globetrotting role means the end of his successful 10 year tenure as Musical Director of Wantage — a decade that has seen the band move from the midfield places in the First Section to victory in the Championship Section at the London & Southern Counties Regional contest.

That in turn led to their Albert Hall debut in 2014, where the band gained a very creditable top ten finish.

10 year target

Phil told 4BR: "When I started at Wantage I could tell that there was something special which just needed galvanising. We started that process and set the target of winning the Area in 10 years — something we managed a year early.

The band now has three strong contesting bands plus a flourishing Youth Band, Concert Brass and Big Band — and I hope I leave them in a very strong musical position to prosper in the future."

Wish him well

Eileen Sykes, Bandmaster of the Wantage Band added: "We have appreciated all the hard work and dedication Phil has given to the band and organisation over the last 10 years, and wish him and his family every success in this exciting new venture. We are very sorry to see him leave."

The latest career move came after the school in which Phil teaches consistently came top of the league tables for music in Leicestershire.

The chance to write an international qualification and work in both Shanghai and New York is very exciting, and I felt it was too good an opportunity for my family and I to turn downPhil Bailey

Too good

He added: "The chance to write an international qualification and work in both Shanghai and New York is very exciting, and I felt it was too good an opportunity for my family and I to turn down.

I also feel very sad to be leaving behind some wonderful colleagues and players, not to mention some fantastic friends."

Phil's last contest with Wantage was at the recent All England Masters International Championship in Kettering whilst his last concert with the band will be on the 18th July.