The Whitworth Vale & Healey Band organisation is looking ahead to a busy, and hopefully, successful 2017.

The senior band will be led by Chris Binns, who returns to his banding roots having played trombone with Whitworth during the early years of his career.

Third generation

The former principal trombonist at Black Dyke is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, with his appointment seeing him become the third generation Binns to lead the band following in the musical footsteps of his grandfather and father.

There will also be a new era in the organisation's flourishing youth band after MD Aaron Wolfe stepped down following his appointment as Head of Brass, Wind and Percussion at the International Music Institute in Abu Dhabi.

Leaps and bounds

The Youth Band has also come on leaps and bounds under Aaron's tenure, having won numerous awards and prizes over the last couple of years.

Finally, the organisation's Beginner Band will soon take on new recruits as they invite Whitworth Band Academy graduates from 'Our Lady & St Anselm's RC Primary School' to join the ranks.

The former principal trombonist at Black Dyke is studying at the RNCM, with his appointment seeing him become the third generation Binns to lead the band following in the musical footsteps of his grandfather and father4BR

New intake

The graduates were taught by Academy co-founder Aaron Wolfe who was delighted by the progress made by the pupils in the 10 week scheme which was established in 2014.

The Academy has now introduced brass based tuition to over 200 pupils since it was set up by the band as part of the legacy in memory of the late Jimmy Grogan, Local Councillor, Mayor and Band President.