As they prepare for their appearance at the RNCM Festival of Brass not too far over the horizon, the Fairey Band has announced Jeff Sparkes as Associate Conductor to work alongside Musical Director Phil Chalk.

Best known

Jeff, a former Faireys player, is best known over the last few years as the Musical Director of the United Co-op Band (Crewe). Under Jeff’s leadership ‘Co-op’ has become one of the North West’s most consistent performers. Jeff will continue in this role in addition to his new role at Faireys.

As part of the Festival's Vinter retrospective Fairey will be giving an early airing to this year’s Championship set work, 'Salute to Youth'4BR

Major task

Following his appointment, Jeff’s first major task has been to do much of the initial work on the substantial programme that Faireys will perform at the RNCM Festival.

The band’s contribution to the Festival will include 'Fantasy for Brass Band', 'American Dream', 'Time Machine', the first performance of a new edition of William Walton’s 'First Shoot' and John McCabe’s classic 'Cloudcatcher Fells'.

Early airing

As part of the Festival's Vinter retrospective Fairey will be giving an early airing to this year’s Championship set work, ‘Salute to Youth’.

Principal trombone, Lisa Sarasini will also be the soloist in Gavin Higgins’ ‘Freaks’. The Fairey Band will appear under the baton of Phil Chalk in the morning slot on Sunday 1st February.