After leading Kirkintilloch Band to title success in the First Section of the Scottish Championships in Perth on the weekend, Musical Director Hedley Benson will head to Germany to make his conducting debut with Brass Band Sachsen.

Victory

Victory at the Scottish Championships marked another conducting stepping stone for the principal trumpet player of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra since taking up the baton last year.

In that time he has led Kirkintilloch to victories at the West of Scotland and Scottish Challenge Shield, with their latest win also ensuring that they return to the Championship Section in 2025.

Looking forward

Speaking about the trip he said: "I'm really looking forward to working with this very fine band and presenting a concert programme of varied music from Eric Ball's masterpiece 'Resurgam' to more modern works by the likes of Tom Davoren and Alan Fernie."

He added: "It's been a great 12 months with Kirkintilloch — and the hard work from everyone has paid off. The players really are a terrific bunch and I couldn't believe it when the band told me they nearly folded after Covid.

Now we're looking forward to a busy year ahead and making a real mark at the British Open Spring Festival in Blackpool and the National Final in Cheltenham in September."