Northop Silver has announced the appointment of John Doyle as their new Musical Director.

It follows a successful audition process, with a number of high quality candidates being invited to take the band for rehearsals and concerts throughout the autumn.

Winning start

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Under John's direction the band won the North Wales Rally in November and qualified for the semi-finals of the televised Band Cymru competition.

We have been impressed by his commitment, musicality and passion, and we are looking forward to a new chapter under his leadership."

Sense of purpose

In response John commented: "I was thrilled to be offered the role and accepted immediately. Having the opportunity to lead such a hard working band in the semi-finals of Band Cymru as well as the high profile Welsh Area contest is something that gives me a great sense of purpose."

He added: "There is a great attitude in the bandroom and we will all be working hard to compete with the very best in Wales and beyond once more.

We are already looking at a new CD project, a series of self-promoted concerts and a number of new arrangements featuring our talented soloists."

There is a great attitude in the bandroom and we will all be working hard to compete with the very best in Wales and beyond once moreJohn Doyle

New signings

John's arrival has also seen a number of new signings, with Owain Llestyn, the current principal with the National Youth Band of Wales and Rhys Jones coming in on cornet and Sacheus Holloway-Jones filling the soprano seat.

Meanwhile, stalwart Northop servant John Williams moves across to BBb tuba to allow the EEb seats to be filled by successful Ifton Colliery MD Scott Lloyd alongside Jamie Owens."