Ratby Co-operative Band has announced the appointment of Chris Jeans as its new Musical Director.

The vastly experienced musician will work in partnership with Artistic Director Mareika Gray and leading a team of conductors and band trainers within the organisation.

Established position

Ratby hopes that the appointment of the respected conductor, trombone soloist, adjudicator and ambassador for Antoine Courtois Instruments will further help develop their established position in the top section as they look forward to a third consecutive appearance at the Royal Albert Hall National Final.

Many members of Ratby Co-operative have previously worked with Chris through his work as MD with the highly successful Youth Brass 2000, a role which he will continue.

Speaking of the appointment Chris told 4BR: "Ratby have a wonderful band, full of nice people eager to learn and who want to be successful. The organisation has a superb setup and I'm excited to form a new relationship with them, as well as it being great to work alongside Mareika Gray."

The organisation has a superb setup and I'm excited to form a new relationship with them, as well as it being great to work alongside Mareika GrayChris Jeans

Delighted

In response to the news, Mareika added: "I'm absolutely delighted to be working with Chris, whom I respect enormously as a musician."

Chris will join up with the band after they look to qualify for the British Open from the Spring Festival Grand Shield contest in Blackpool this weekend.