Welwyn Garden City Band has announced the appointment of David Stokes as their new MD.

David previously conducted the band between 1999 and 2004 when the band enjoyed contest successes and culminated in promotion to the Championship Section.

We’ve worked hard to find a line up that will be our strongest for many years and we look forward to putting on a strong showing at StevenageChairman Chris Kirk

12 new players

Having gone through a period of instability of late, the band have now appointed no less than 12 new players in the last three months, these include Michelle Wilde on Principal cornet, Dave Quinlan on Soprano, Ian Whitwham, Solo Euphonium, and Richard Robinson on 1st Baritone.

Tom Sladen and Adrian Temple join the cornet section and Adam Legge has been appointed 2nd Euphonium. The band also welcomes back Keith Cherry on Eb bass, Alan Howard on Bb bass and Aidan Collins on Bass Trombone. Jon Hammond has been appointed assistant MD and adds his skills as a cornet player to the front row as assistant principal cornet.

Worked hard

Band Chairman Chris Kirk told 4BR that the reappointment of David Stokes and the recruitment of a number of experienced players has given a new impetus to the band. "We’ve worked hard to find a line up that will be our strongest for many years and we look forward to putting on a strong showing at Stevenage."