The name of Sam Fisher will hopefully soon be seen marked in more contest programmes around the country, as the former Carlton Main Frickley repiano cornet player and well known conductor completes his professional development assignments with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

Sam recently left the Yorkshire band after an enjoyable tenure to concentrate on his conducting commitments as well as finish his adjudicator training, and in the past few months he has worked with several bands across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North of England.

Conducting

He told 4BR: "It's been a real pleasure to link up with Rothwell, Thoresby and Reg Vardy as well EYMS and Carlton Main in the run-up to Christmas.

I wanted to make a shift towards conducting and adjudicating for some time now, and so far it's been interesting, engaging and exciting — especially working on 'Seascapes' for the Regional Championships. It's a wonderful score with so much detail and music to be discovered and presented."

I've been very grateful to ABBA for the support given to me. The training has given me the solid foundation to work on as my adjudication experience grows — starting at Whit FridaySam Fisher

Whit Friday

Sam is also due to complete his formal ABBA training and has already completed two professional commitments, most recently working alongside Nicholas Grace and David Marshall at the South West Brass Band Association's annual contest in Torquay.

He is now looking to increase his portfolio — starting with his first Whit Friday engagement in Lydgate this year.

"I've been very grateful to ABBA for the support given to me. The training has given me the solid foundation to work on as my adjudication experience grows — starting at Whit Friday.

I'll miss playing of course, but this is an exciting new chapter for me, and one I hope will keep just as busy."