Ratby Co-operative Band has welcomed the signing of Luke Pallister as their new principal cornet.

Due to a relocation with his work, Luke will join the Midlands organisation following bringing a wealth of playing and conducting expertise, after his final performance with the Leyland Band at the forthcoming British Open Championships in Birmingham.

Playing and conducting

Having started playing within the ranks of the Salvation Army, Luke went on to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music, enjoying a successful spell with Foden's.

As well as playing, Luke has been developing his conducting talents — and will lead Farnworth & Walkden to their first ever National Final appearance in Cheltenham next month.

Luke joins a thriving Ratby organisation, with the senior band promoted to the Grand Shield for 2020 and the organisation's 'Mid' Band also qualifying for the Cheltenham Finals in the Fourth Section.

I'm so pleased to welcome Luke. He is a fine young player who will add so much to the great strengths we already have in the bandRatby Artistic Director, Mareika Gray

Great strengths

Speaking of the appointment Ratby's Artistic Director Mareika Gray told 4BR: "I'm so pleased to welcome Luke. He is a fine young player who will add so much to the great strengths we already have in the band."

In addition, Ratby's Musical Director David Purkiss said: "Luke joins the band and organisation at an exciting time and I know that his playing abilities and leadership will play a major role in helping us continue to improve and build upon what has already been a fantastic year."