Andy Berryman's increasing business commitments in Abu Dhabi has meant that the Wingates Band is now on the look out for a new Professional Conductor.

Police contact

The former Principal Trombone of the Halle Orchestra has taken the opportunity to work with the Abu Dhabi Police Band, and whilst he was able to take Wingates at the North West Area in March, the demands of the job have made it increasingly difficult to make regular journeys back to the UK.

Andy is a fabulous musician and has played a pivotal role in the band's success in recent yearsWingates Band

Fine achievements

Band Chairman Barry Bentley told 4BR: "Andy is a fabulous musician and has played a pivotal role in the band's success in recent years. He led us to victory at the Senior Cup in 2007 and our appearance at the US Open later that year and we came second under him at Butlins in 2008.

He added: "Andy's leadership has helped the band progress up the rankings and as a result qualify for this year's English National Championship in a few weeks time."

Nyman link

Barry also paid tribute for the new openings he also created for the band: "Andy's professional contacts saw us work with Michael Nyman, and the band has thoroughly enjoyed projecting a new musical voice into the brass band scene. Michael Nyman is now Vice President of the band and will be working with Andy in the future."

Hinckley in

Meanwhile the band has acted swiftly to appoint John Hinckley for this weekend's Grand Shield and All-England International Masters in Cambridge in a couple of weeks.

An announcement will be made in the near future as to who will lead the band in Preston and for the long term future.