The Staffordshire Band has announced the appointment of Craig Williams as their new Musical Director.

One of the most experienced BBb tuba players in the UK banding movement, he was a founder of Sovereign Brass in the Midlands, but has also played more recently for Flowers as well as numerous leading bands under conductors such as Dennis Masters and Howard Snell to Edward Gregson and James Gourlay.

He is also a highly respected organist and has directed at a number of multi-church festivals. He is currently filling the vacant position at Holy Trinity Church in Old Hill.

This experience will now be brought to Staffordshire, whose most recent contest outing saw them come runner-up at the First Section National Final in Cheltenham.

Excited

Craig told 4BR: "Staffordshire have been friends for many years and I'm excited to be part of their team. We've already established clear objectives and timelines and the initial support from the band has been incredible. I'm very excited about the future together."

We now look forward to continuing an upward journey with Craig at the helm as work now commences on building and strengthening the band even furtherStaffordshire Band

Grown in confidence

In response the band added: "We're delighted to welcome Craig as our new MD. Already the band has grown in confidence and, with Craig's support working alongside Leigh Baker that was certainly seen with our performance at Cheltenham.

We now look forward to continuing an upward journey with Craig at the helm as work now commences on building and strengthening the band even further."