Andrew Baker appointed Musical Director of Middleton Band

Andrew Baker, Musical Director, preparing Middleton Band for the Area Contest

Andrew Baker has been appointed as the Musical Director of Middleton Band.

Having been a ‘brass bander’ throughout his musical career, playing at some of the country’s finest concert halls with bands at every level, Andrew Baker brings with him a wealth of experience as a composer and arranger of music.

He also has considerable experience as a Musical Director, having conducted brass bands at every level, brass ensembles, wind bands and symphony orchestras.

Mr Baker's compositions have been played all over the world. His most significant work to date, The Once and Future King, was selected as the test-piece for the third section of the 2007 Swiss National Brass Band Championships, and the work was subsequently selected for the Regional Championships of Great Britain in 2009 and the Irish Championships in 2010.

He is no stranger to Middleton Band, he has previously played in the band and has been commissioned to compose several pieces especially for Middleton Band.His most recent commission, Perseverance, forms the title track to the band’s latest CD.

Middleton Band are "absolutely thrilled" to be working with Andrew and are looking forward to a successful future together. Band secretary, Jamie Wade said: "The appointment of Andrew Baker to the position of Musical Director is a very positive move for the band.

"This year is the band's 140th Anniversary and we have been working hard, with the assistance of Brass Band England, to develop a forward looking view and have some great concerts to look forward to.

"We know Andrew will drive the band forward, bring a fresh approach and challenge the band members beyond their comfort zones.”

The band's next concert in Middleton is at St Leonard's Parish Church on Saturday 14 May.