The Wigston Band has announced the appointment of their new MD, Christopher Small.

The 26 year old euphonium graduate from Birmingham Conservatoire joins the Midlands outfit following a 17 year playing association with the Leicestershire based Enderby Band.

Delighted

Chris told 4BR: "I'm delighted. Having lead Enderby to success in 2015 and having recently worked with other bands in the First Section, I'm thrilled that Wigston have given me the opportunity of becoming their full time Musical Director. They are a very hard working and committed ensemble."

He added: "My thanks go to everyone at Enderby to whom I owe so much, as well as their current MD Simon Gresswell who has supported me hugely in my recent conducting development. I'd also like to pay tribute to Garry Sleath, who has done a superb job with Wigston for the last 18 years."

We look forward to working with him for a long time and would like to take the opportunity to thank Garry Sleath for all his work and input to the band over the last 18 yearsWigston Chairman, Mick Veasey

Welcome and thanks

Wigston Chairman, Mick Veasey told 4BR: "We would like to welcome Chris as our new MD. He has been a friend of the band for many years and has helped us with his brilliant euphonium skills on many occasions.

We went through the auditioning process with other applicants, but Chris was a clear choice when we had a ballot box vote with his knowledge, musicianship, skill set and enthusiasm.

We look forward to working with him for a long time and would like to take the opportunity to thank Garry Sleath for all his work and input to the band over the last 18 years."