The highly respected Scottish composer, conductor and player Alan Fernie has been handed a key role with an African project using music to help improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in struggling communities.

Alan has been appointed as Brass for Africa's 'Visiting Principal of Brass Learning' in Kampala, which will see him return to the Ugandan capital for two months in March.

It follows his appointment as Composer in Residence with the scheme and comes after he enjoyed a previous visit in September 2015. The role will see him overseeing existing tutors and running the Saturday music school, as well as conducting the M-Lisada Brass Band.

Excited

Alan commented: "I'm very excited and honoured to be asked to work with this extraordinary project.

I found it inspiring and moving when I was there in September, and it is the perfect example of the power of music to help, and change lives for the better."

I found it inspiring and moving when I was there in September, and it is the perfect example of the power of music to help, and change lives for the betterAlan Fernie

Delighted

Jim Trott, Executive Director at Brass for Africa, added: "Following on from Alan's visit to Uganda in September (above), we are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to become our next Visiting Principal of Brass Learning in Kampala.

Alan will be spending two months working with our young musicians and young brass teachers in Uganda. This will be an incredible experience for all involved and everyone is excited about this unbelievable opportunity to work with him."