The Cumbria Youth Brass Band has welcomed Anna Hughes Williams as its new Musical Director.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Anna take up the role this Autumn with a wealth of playing and conducting experience to make the 2026-2027 season an exciting one for our young band."

Outstanding

An internationally respected cornet player, conductor and brass educator, Anna was presented with the Mortimer Medal in 2017 for her outstanding contribution to youth brass music and has worked extensively with the likes of the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain, Wales and Scotland.

On accepting the role Anna said: "I'm delighted and excited to begin working with these talented young musicians.

My passion is bringing through the next generation of brass players and ensuring they are given the same opportunities I was fortunate enough to enjoy. Brass banding is about far more than musical excellence — it's about creating a positive, supportive and inspiring environment where every player feels valued, challenged and able to achieve more than they ever thought possible."

Anna added: "I'm looking forward to building on the excellent work already taking place at Cumbria Youth Brass Band and helping its young musicians develop their musical skills, confidence and enjoyment of brass banding for many years to come."

I'm looking forward to building on the excellent work already taking place at Cumbria Youth Brass Band and helping its young musicians develop their musical skills, confidence and enjoyment of brass banding for many years to comeAnna Hughes Williams

Thanks

The spokesperson for the Cumbria Youth Band added: "Our thanks go to Stuart Humphreys, our outgoing MD, for his brilliant work in preparing the band for the South Cumbria Music Festival and the National Youth Brass Band Championships this year. The players have had an amazing experience."

More information:

Full details of the Cumbria Youth Brass Band, which is open to young player aged 7-17 can be found at:

https://drumandbrass.co.uk/cumbria-youth-brass-band/?mc_cid=fc7866310d&mc_eid=38719b7d3f