York Railway Institute Band has announced the appointment of the vastly experienced David Lancaster as their new Musical Director.

David studied music at York and Cambridge University, subsequently becoming a highly successful composer and freelance trumpeter in the UK and around Europe.

He has won many compositional awards, including the Michael Tippett Prize and the LCM Centenary Award, and has conducted at all levels of the banding. David now lives in York and works as Director of Music at York St John University, teaching composition and managing the university's music programmes.

Delighted

He told 4BR: "I was delighted to be invited to take on the role. There is huge potential here and I can't wait to get started in the New Year.

The challenge of consolidating the band's position in the Championship Section is very exciting and I'm also looking forward to developing an innovative and attractive concert programme."

The challenge of consolidating the band's position in the Championship Section is very exciting and I'm also looking forward to developing an innovative and attractive concert programmeDavid Lancaster

Exciting prospect

Band Chairman Clive Marshall added: "David is an excellent musician with an impressive pedigree as composer, player and conductor. We are excited at the prospect of working with him and benefiting from his experience and inspiration."