Brass Band Buizingen has announced the appointment of Simon Van Hoecke as their new Musical Director.

The respected trumpet will take over the baton from Harmen Vanhoorne at the former Belgian National Champion with immediate effect.

The band recently returned to perform at the Belgian National Championships claiming a highly encouraging fourth place.

Looking forward

Simon Van Hoecke is the first trumpet soloist at the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg and teaches trumpet at the Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen. He told 4BR: "I'm aware of the rich history of Brass Band Buizingen and of the prominent place this band has always taken and of the many challenges this entails.

I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors and leading the band to new musical heights in the future. With my background as an orchestral musician, pedagogue and composer, I hope to inspire the band members and make a valuable contribution to Belgian brass band culture."

The band is looking forward to new projects under Simon and we anticipate a successful and exciting futureBrass Band Buzingen

New projects

A Brass Band Buizingen spokesperson told 4BR: "We are looking forward to an intense but fruitful year and wish to thank Harmen for his efforts and dedication.

The band is looking forward to new projects under Simon and we anticipate a successful and exciting future."