Black Dyke Band has announced that the award winning musician Andrew Wareham will become their 'Young Composer in Residence' for 2018.

Currently completing his post graduate studies in conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff, he takes on the role which is supported by the Yorkshire champion with public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

'Tarot! Tortuous Tarot!'

The 23 year old from Southampton has already made a significant mark with his compositions, with his work, 'The Deep' winning the 'Best Composition' award at the 2016 UniBrass Championships, and 'Tarot! Tortuous Tarot!' taking the 2017 RWCMD Cory Band award.

"I'm thrilled to take on the role with a band that has such a worldwide profile as Black Dyke,"he said. "I've been very fortunate to have had my works published and performed by the likes of Cory, but I'm aware that this opportunity creates a different level of expectation and development.

To be able to work with Prof Philip Wilby is a remarkable opportunity and one which I know will have huge benefit to me as I develop as a composer."

I'm looking forward to opening the scores of future works from Andy that I'm sure will create a huge impression on Black Dyke audiencesProf Nicholas Childs

Very proud

Commenting the appointment Black Dyke Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "The Young Composer initiative is something we are very proud of, and has already seen the band work with two exciting talents in Jonathan Bates and Matthew Eden.

I'm looking forward to opening the scores of future works from Andrew that I'm sure will create a huge impression on Black Dyke audiences."