Chapeltown Band from Yorkshire has announced that Musical Director Andrew Dennis is to retire from brass banding after 42 years — including 23 years as the band's MD, to concentrate on his growing business interests.

Just as important

A spokesperson told 4BR: "For some time Andrew has tried to balance the MD role with his business commitments. It is the preparation time as MD that he can no longer commit to — one that he says is the side to conducting no one sees, but is just as important as the leading on stage."

They added: "We wish to record our heartfelt appreciation to Andrew for his work, dedication and the incredible success that he has brought the band."

During the past decade Andrew inspired Chapeltown to rise from the bottom of the Third to the Championship Section, qualifying for three National Finals, including back to back wins at the Yorkshire Area contest along the way.

It has been the most successful period in our long history. He has been an exemplary band trainer, bringing the best out of each and every playerChapeltown Band

Third to Championship

The spokesperson continued: "It has been the most successful period in our long history. He has been an exemplary band trainer, bringing the best out of each and every player.

We also thank his wife Linda who has been such a loyal support, including her also winning the 'Best Instrumentalist' award at the Yorkshire Area in 2015.

We will always treasure sharing in their memorable wedding celebrations, to which as always, Andrew had put such a lot of thought into the music. We wish them both well for the future."

Andrew's last engagement with Chapeltown will be at their Autumn concert in October.