The Hitchin Band has appointed Craig Patterson as Musical Director following the planned departure of Martin Hurrell.

Having worked with Hitchin for 12 months, Martin planned to stand down as MD after the 2008 Area contest due to personal and work commitments with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Important concerts

During his time with the band, Martin presided over several important concerts including a joint concert with Sponsheim Band from Bingen in Germany. In addition, Martin took the band to Butlins where they attained 4th place, whilst the final event prior to the 2008 Area was a successful evening at a school in Luton explaining the merits of music and brass bands to a large group of youngsters and their parents.

Hitchin Band is reported to be delighted to have been able to re-appoint Craig to take over from Martin and take the band forward4BR

Worked together

Martin and Hitchin Band have worked together on several occasions over the last few years and the band look forward to the time when we can work with Martin again.

Delighted

Craig Patterson is an accomplished trumpet player and music teacher who was Musical Director of Hitchin Band previously. Hitchin Band is reported to be delighted to have been able to re-appoint Craig to take over from Martin and take the band forward.

Professional

Craig is a professional musician who has been involved with Brass Bands for many years. He has played cornet, soprano and flugel with many bands including Enfield Citadel, Brittania Building Society, CWS Glasgow, Stocksbridge Engineering and trumpet with the Nemo Brass quintet.

German trip

His playing includes orchestral experience with the BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.

Apart from the normal band events, Craig will also be conducting the band on a trip to Bingen in Germany in June. This trip is the return of last years visit to Hitchin by Sponsheim Band and will help celebrate Sponsheim's 75th anniversary.