Stockport Schools Band is looking forward to its first contest appearance under recently appointed MD, Iain McKnight.

The band will take to the stage under his baton on Saturday 24th October at the NWABBA Rochdale Youth Contest.

Hallmarks

Having spent ten years at Leyland Band as a player and more latterly as Chairman/Band Manager, Iain is hoping to bring some of the hallmarks of elite banding to his new position, whilst he also hopes to tap into his strong educational credentials through his 'day job' leading instrumental tuition in Cheshire East for the Love Music Trust.

Excited

He told 4BR: "I'm incredibly excited about our first public appearance together. The band contains some very talented young musicians who have all been working hard to ensure that we are ready for our performance at Rochdale.

They are fantastic young people to work with, and it's a reassurance to know that there are players of this quality in our movement who will go on to be the banding stars of tomorrow."

They are fantastic young people to work with, and it's a reassurance to know that there are players of this quality in our movement who will go on to be the banding stars of tomorrowIain McKnight

Feedback

Alice Bell, administrator at SSBB added: "Iain has settled very quickly into his new role and the feedback from band members has been really positive and they have been enjoying rehearsals getting ready for Rochdale.

Iain also comes with a wealth of experience in brass banding and working with young musicians. We are already tapping into this and are looking forward to the future together."