Grange Moor Brass Band has announced the appointment of Matthew Asher as their new Musical Director.

Matthew takes on the role backed by widespread experience; playing percussion with Brighouse & Rastrick for the past nine years and also having enjoyed spells with Hepworth, Yorkshire Imperial and Sellers International. It also marks a return to Grange Moor, as he started his playing career there aged 11 in 2001.

Greatly enjoyed

Matthew studied music at Huddersfield University and the Royal Northern College of Music and is currently Head of Music at a Manchester secondary school.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We greatly enjoyed Matthew's audition process and we are looking forward to a bright future together."

I can't wait to get started on a new musical adventure and give something back to the band that taught me so much at a young ageMatthew Asher

Can't wait

In response Matthew added: "It was such an honour to be asked to conduct Grange Moor having started my playing career with them. I can't wait to get started on a new musical adventure and give something back to the band that taught me so much at a young age."

Matthew's first engagement will be this weekend for the band's annual Spring concert to raise funds for Kirkwood Hospice.