Daventry Brass has announced the appointment of Neil Brownless (above) as their new Musical Director.

Vitality

Chairman Ken Ewer told 4BR: "Neil has been helping us out over the summer on trombone and has also taken a couple of rehearsals.

When the opportunity arose it seemed the ideal choice to make. As probably the band's youngest MD, he brings with him the vitality and enthusiasm, and we look forward to a long, happy and productive association."

Thanks

Ken added: "We must thank Bob Stradling, who in his four year tenure achieved two Areas wins to qualify for the National Finals, and two promotions in one of our most successful periods.

Bob has decided to focus his time on a new-found love for the euphonium and project-based conducting assignments."

Successful

Neil comes to the band following a successful year with nearby Towcester Studio; claiming the ODBBA Winter Contest and Bolsover Festival of Brass Third Section titles — the band's first wins in 14 years.

He has also been Musical Director of Abingdon Concert Band for the last two years where he has brought in new ideas, including the commission of a new work by Tom Davoren and the introduction of a composition competition.

I'm really looking forward to working with Daventry Brass and hope to build on the success they have achieved in recent yearsNeil Brownless

Looking forward

Neil told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to working with Daventry Brass and hope to build on the success they have achieved in recent years.

It's also great to be working with principal cornet Chris North again who taught me cornet at school."