The Mbale Schools Band and Ugandan Brass have announced that UK conductor Christopher Small will become their first International Musical Director.

The 28 year old Wigston Band conductor has taken on a role that will see him travel to the Ugandan brass band charity a number of times a year to help advise and assist in both tuition and conducting.

Delighted

Founder Philip Monk told 4BR: "We're delighted at the appointment. Ugandan Brass has moved on to another level and would like to attempt more challenging pieces. I feel that this would best be done with an established and experienced UK Musical Director and I'm pleased that Chris has come on board.

Chris will visit us in December and early January just before we begin our annual concert tours with Mbale Schools Band travelling to Rwanda and Ugandan Brass to Zimbabwe.

I'm sure that Chris will enjoy making music with us and he will certainly get an enthusiastic welcome!"

I'm delighted to have been invited out to Uganda by Philip and the team and I look forward to making the first of many trips to work with such a hard working group of peopleChris Small

First of many

In response Chris told 4BR: "I'm delighted to have been invited out to Uganda by Philip and the team and I look forward to making the first of many trips to work with such a hard working group of people.

Having seen some of their videos on social media over the years they are an inspiration to us all in what can be done with hard work and dedication along with the generosity and continued support of our movement with the many donations of instruments over the years."