The musical partnership between GUS Band and Composer-in-Residence Mike Sheppard has been further strengthened with the announcement that he has accepted the role of 'Associate Music Consultant' with the Midlands ensemble.

It will see the composer use his experience as a music producer with the likes of the English Chamber Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle's BCMG Group to offer a new perspective on their music making.

So much to offer

GUS Artistic Director Chris Jeans told 4BR: "Mike composed our entertainment programme for the Butlins Mineworkers Championship, and as part of that preparation he spent a lot of time working with us.

He has so much to offer us, not just in relation to his own music. The work he did with us on 'Songs of Ascent', convinced us that this is going to be a great relationship."

Thrilled

In response Mike added: "I've been delighted by the band's reaction to the work I've done with them, and I'm thrilled with this new development.

As a former pro trombone player I understand how brass music is put together. It's a tribute to Chris Jeans that he has welcomed my input.

He's a formidably intelligent musician and it's a pleasure to be working alongside him across the band's musical activity."

I've been delighted by the band's reaction to the work I've done with them, and I'm thrilled with this new developmentMike Sheppard

Recording

Chairman Dave Elliot-Smith added: "We all want the band to get back to the very top and having two musicians of the calibre of Chris and Mike guiding the band is great.

Later this year we will be recording a CD of Mike's music and we can't wait to get started."