The Lindley Band has announced the appointment of the experienced Ian Knapton as their new Musical Director.

Ian takes over just in time for the busy Christmas period and will make his contesting debut by leading the band at the Yorkshire First Section Regional contest next March.

Opportunity

Ian told 4BR: "After a successful 12 year spell of conducting with Ireland Colliery Chesterfield I was looking to take a banding break. However, the opportunity arose to conduct Lindley, a band I have admired for a number of years, and who have a great core of players with a lot of experience around the stand.

I'm here to build on the past conductors work and continue the upward progression in the contest and concert arenas."

I'm here to build on the past conductors work and continue the upward progression in the contest and concert arenasIan Knapton

Pleased

A Lindley Band spokesperson added: "We are very pleased to secure Ian as our new Musical Director. He has the experience and capability that we were looking for.

We wish to publicly thank our previous MD Jess Tredrea for her skilled guidance during our return to the First Section.

Jess stepped down in the summer after a successful period with us due to personal circumstances. She continues to support the band when possible as a player and looks forward to being part of our continued success.''