The Tilbury Band has announced the appointment of a new MD, David Stokes, as they look towards their centenary celebrations in 2019.

The highly experienced conductor and performer has been actively involved in banding for many years, working successfully with the likes of Welwyn Garden City who he helped guide from the Second to Championship Section status as well as successful tenures with Runnymede Brass and Friary Guildford.

Experience

David served with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and is an Associate of the Royal College of Music and a Fellow of the London College of Music.

Upon leaving the Royal Air Force he played with bands in London and the Midlands, including Rigid Containers, William Davis, First City and, more recently, Redbridge Brass.

I've been made to feel most welcome and I sense a real desire to enjoy the music making and to progress together as a team. That's a great ethos upon which to look to the futureDavid Stokes

Great honour

He told 4BR: "I consider it a great honour to be appointed as Musical Director.

I've been made to feel most welcome and I sense a real desire to enjoy the music making and to progress together as a team. That's a great ethos upon which to look to the future."