The Kippax Band has announced that the experienced Ian Knapton will lead them as Musical Director through a busy festive schedule and on to the 2017 Yorkshire Area contest.

Ian helped the band out on solo trombone at the Butlins Mineworker's Championship a couple of years ago and he now returns as MD with a hectic December schedule to look forward to, including a recording for BBC radio to be broadcast on Christmas Day.

Great potential

He told 4BR: "Once I got the call and came down I knew the band had great potential. Along with the hard work and warm reception I had no hesitation in accepting the role.

I look forward to leading Kippax over Christmas and hopefully to a successful Area contest in March, where we will be looking to gain promotion back to the First Section."

He impressed us with his enthusiasm, attention to detail and especially his strong determination to move the band forwardBand Chairman, Colin Moss

Delighted

Band Chairman, Colin Moss replied: "We were delighted when Ian accepted the invitation to come and rehearse with us. He impressed us with his enthusiasm, attention to detail and especially his strong determination to move the band forward.

His first concert also proved a hit with the audience, so we moved quickly to sign him up for the Yorkshire Area contest, where we believe we have the potential to do really well."

Kippax also announced the signing of Rebecca Burgess-Dawson on Eb tuba, who made her debut at the recent Brass Factor contest.