James McLeod has been voted the Leyland Band Patrons' 'Player of the Year' for a second consecutive time.

At a recent concert in Chorley Town Hall, the patrons were treated to outstanding solo playing from the stable of principal players, but following a sparkling rendition of Philip Sparke's 'Pantomime', it was announced that James had won the annual award once again.

High demand

A musician in high demand, James has been busy as both a tutor and soloist in recent months. A respected tutor at the Red Admiral Music Academy, he helped to coach young players towards winning the Action Medical Research Junior Entertainment title back in February, whilst also recently leading a workshop with Lancashire Youth Brass Band.

Recently he returned from Denmark after performing as part of the annual Aalborg Music Festival, and will be travelling to Ireland later this month to tutor at the County Fermanagh Summer Brass School, as well as featuring as a soloist in Leyland up-coming tour performance at the Innsbruck Promenade Concert in Austria.

It's fantastic to have a player of James' quality around the stands, and it's always a brilliant occasion when we are able to perform solely for the patrons who provide so much support for the bandLeyland Band

Brilliant occasion

Leyland Band Chairman, Chris Doran, told 4BR: "It's fantastic to have a player of James' quality around the stands, and it's always a brilliant occasion when we are able to perform solely for the patrons who provide so much support for the band."