The Shirley Band has appointed the experienced David Hirst as their new Principal Conductor.

In addition, the First Section band from Solihull in the West Midlands has also signed a number of new players as they look towards the second half of the contest year.

David's first concert was at Solihull School (above), alongside Soliull Youth Band and guest soloist Mark Wilkinson, who earlier linked up with the youngsters in a special workshop.

Signings

Meanwhile, the signings include Mark Haworth (trombone), Bob Baggott (front-row cornet), Alan Smith (soprano) and Debbie Higham (back-row), all former members of the band.

Mark, Bob and Alan have in recent years enjoyed playing with the Championship Section Jaguar Land Rover Band, whilst Debbie Higham has joined from Staffordshire Band. In addition 16-year-old Morgan Hart joins the tuba section from Solihull Youth Band — linking up with his father in the section.

Since David arrived the band has gone from strength to strength, and we're really looking forward to what the future holds under his guidanceShirley Band

Strength to strength

Band Secretary Brian Johnson told 4BR: "Since David arrived the band has gone from strength to strength, and we're really looking forward to what the future holds under his guidance.

We've got a great mix of youth and experience with the new players joining and the band promoting and developing talented youngsters such as Morgan and 15-year-old cornet player Becky Strentz, who is a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain."