The Eagley band has announced that, due to other professional commitments, MD Gareth Westwood will not be taking the band to the North West Area.

Continued preperation

Gareth, who has been Eagley's Musical Director for over two and a half years, will continue to prepare the area test piece, as well as taking them to the 'Brass at the Guild' contest in Preston next weekend.

Working hard

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Gareth has been working hard on the area test piece for some weeks now and his work is certainly starting to pay off. It is a shame Gareth cannot conduct us at the contest this year but I am positive that with his preparation, hard work from the band and the undoubted skill our guest conductor will bring, we will perform well at Blackpool next month."

It is a great shame that the Championship and Third Section clash and as a result, I have had to prioritise one band over anotherGareth Westwood

Baton

Gareth’s decision comes as a result of recently taking over the baton at the Poulton-le-Fylde band.

Great shame

Gareth told 4BR: "It is a great shame that the Championship and Third Section clash and as a result, I have had to prioritise one band over another."

He added, "Eagley are a very hard working band and I am sure that their guest conductor will achieve great results with them at the contest. In the meantime I will continue to prepare Eagley for their assault on the Area contest as well as their extensive concert programme."

An announcement regarding Eagley's guest conductor for the North West area contest is due later this week.