The Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced that Michael Fowles has agreed to be the band's Musical Director for the remainder of 2009.

This means that the partnership which saw the band win the Scottish Open Championship in November last year is renewed.

Relationship

Speaking about the appointment Mike told 4BR: "I'm absolutely delighted to be working with this fine band again this year. During the week before the Scottish Open I very quickly felt that a good working relationship was developing and I was particularly impressed with the speed with which the band responded to my ideas.

"This left me in no doubt that I would be happy to work with the band again and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the year."

This left me in no doubt that I would be happy to work with the band again and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the yearMike Fowles

Chemistry

Band Manager Robin Basu told 4BR: "It was obvious that there was a chemistry between Michael and the band during the run-up to the Scottish Open last year and this most clearly manifested itself during our winning performance.

"We feel that Michael has the potential to be something really big among brass band conductors in the future and are looking forward to the rest of 2009 under his direction."