London Metropolitan Brass has announced the appointment of Christopher Claxton as their new Beginners Band MD.

Speaking to 4BR a delighted new conductor said: "I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the individual players learn and progress. I also can't wait for us to grow as a team."

Three ensembles

London Metropolitan Brass is a community organisation established in 2013 in North London.

The band runs three ensembles catering for over 80 players of all ages and abilities — including the Beginners Band comprising around 30 players many of whom joined from the organisation's 8-week learner programme.

New conductor

Christopher studied at Wells Cathedral School under the tuition of Sam Elliot and Alan Hutt. He performed with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain and European Union Youth Wind Orchestra and in 2013 he was awarded a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

After graduating, he played with the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, spent a year on the Foyles Future First scheme with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and played with the orchestra in their 2019 BBC Proms concert.

He has studied conducting under Tim Redmond and David Corkhill and participated in masterclasses with Christopher Adey and Phillip Scott.

We're looking forward to seeing the band grow under Christopher's leadership. His experience and his enthusiasm impressed us at the audition and we are delighted to welcome himLondon Metropolitan Brass

Welcome

In response to the appointment a band spokesperson added: "We're looking forward to seeing the band grow under Christopher's leadership.

His experience and his enthusiasm impressed us at the audition and we are delighted to welcome him."