The Brighouse & Rastrick has announced the appointment of Leigh Baker (above) as their new Resident Conductor. He will take on the role after the band's appearance at the National Finals next weekend.

Departure

It follows the decision to relinquish his successful two year tenure as Musical Director at Yorkshire rivals Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, and see the return to the band in which he held played for with great distinction for almost 20 years.

Delighted

"I'm absolutely delighted to be returning to my spiritual home,"he told 4BR. "The band was, and still is, such an important part of my life, and to take this role is a perfect culmination of my conducting career so far.

I'm thrilled to be working alongside David King and we are already discussing really exciting projects and initiatives, alongside the chance for me to once again write music for them. Brighouse is absolutely on fire at the minute and it's a great time to be part of the organisation once again."

We are extremely pleased to welcome Leigh, a conductor and composer with such talent and capability, back to usBrighouse & Rastrick President, Paul Beaumont

Tribute

He added: "I've loved my time at Carlton Main and would like to pay tribute to the players and Phillip McCann for being part of a great team that enjoyed so much success.

They are a superb band and I wish them all the very best in the future."

Extremely pleased

Brighouse & Rastrick President, Paul Beaumont, added: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Leigh, a conductor and composer with such talent and capability, back to us. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between Leigh, David and the band."