Fresh from their runner-up finish at the First Section National Final at Cheltenham on the weekend, Rainford Band has announced the appointment of its new Musical Director, Sarah Groarke-Booth.

Experience

After graduating from Salford University with a BA (Hons) in Band Musicianship and an MA in Performance, Sarah's work as a conductor over the last three decades has taken her around the country.

She has led bands to a number of contesting successes, including regional and national titles. A member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators Sarah is also regularly engaged as an adjudicator throughout the UK.

A slight fork in the road led her to pursue a career in acting and, following training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she has worked with many of the country's leading theatre companies and has also appeared in numerous TV programmes — often cropping up on our screens in Coronation Street.

Rainford are a lovely bunch of people and a fine band. I am so pleased that I'm to be a part of their musical journey — I can't wait to get started!Sarah Groarke-Booth

Delighted

Rainford Chairman Geoff Hunter, told 4BR: "We're delighted that Sarah has accepted the invitation to become our new MD.

She is a talented musician with great credentials and we are really looking forward to working with her as we head to this year's Scottish Open and next year's North West Regional championship in the Championship section".

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah added: "Rainford are a lovely bunch of people and a fine band. I am so pleased that I'm to be a part of their musical journey — I can't wait to get started!"