Kingdom Brass has announced that James Gourlay will be directing the band at the upcoming Scottish Championships.

The move to appoint James was proposed and organised by the bands current MD, Craig Anderson, as he has many commitments in the coming months as MD of Campbeltown Brass and playing obligations with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC SSO and RSNO.

Ideal opportunity

Craig told 4BR: "I feel it is an ideal opportunity for the band to engage Jim at this time. I feel I cannot commit fully to everything at once and a Championship Section band of Kingdom’s standard could really benefit from the change of direction and experience."

Kingdom received some bad news recently when principal Bb tuba player Ian Green injured his back in an accident at work, and faces a lengthy recuperation, which means he cannot compete at the Scottish Championships.

Jim is originally from Fife, and to have him conducting the Fife Champions at the Scottish Championships is going to be something specialKingdom Chairman, Bill Sandell

Transfer

Craig added: "I will be signing as a player and will work jointly with Jim until a few weeks before the contest, at which time I shall transfer into the tuba section to cover for Ian. I will then take up the podium again after the Championships and look forward to the next challenge with Kingdom."

Best of both worlds

Bill Sandell, Chairman of Kingdom Brass told 4BR: "It’s a huge privilege to have Jim Gourlay conducting the band. With Craig preparing us and then stepping in to the principal Bb tuba seat, this absolutely is the best of both worlds for us. Jim is originally from Fife, and to have him conducting the Fife Champions at the Scottish Championships is going to be something special."