Kidlington Concert Brass has announced the appointment of Ben Ruffer as their new resident Music Director — the first time such an appointment has been made in the band's history.

Kneller Hall

While serving as a chorister at Chichester Cathedral, Ben fell in love with the sound of brass.

Joining the army in 2003, he was first a member of the Band of the Life Guards, undertaking many state duties, including the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee. After completing the Music Direction course at Kneller Hall, he took up his present post as Bandmaster of the Band of the Household Cavalry.

I'm very pleased that we will be working with Ben. He's brought a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm which has already paid off in our recent podium finish at the National FinalsDuncan Wilson

Very pleased

Kidlington's Professional Music Director Duncan Wilson told 4BR: "I'm very pleased that we will be working with Ben. He's brought a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm which has already paid off in our recent podium finish at the National Finals in Cheltenham.

I was really starting to struggle to fully commit to twice-weekly rehearsals, due to increasing work and family pressures, so we have been very lucky that Ben has been able to step in and immediately develop a great rapport with the band."

Ben's first concert engagement with Kidlington Concert Brass will be their forthcoming annual Christmas in December.