Music: Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band

John Binns, Centre; Aaron Wolfe, Right; Chris Binns

Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band is to undergo a number of significant changes.

The senior band will be conducted by Chris Binns, son of former musical director John Binns.

John made the decision to step down from the band after numerous years at the helm, having lead the band to consecutive victories (across three sections) at the Buxton Contest (2012, 2013, 2014), and also a winning performance at Blackpool to become North West Second Section Champions in 2013.

The band also competed at the Nationals in Cheltenham three times during Johns most recent tenure, which resulted in being placed fourth best third section band in the UK for two consecutive years.

The band also released its first ever CD, 'Whitworth Vale', which will be available at all concerts in the upcoming year.

Chris Binns is returning to his roots having played trombone in the band during the early years of his playing career.

Chris has since gone on to play principal trombone at Milnrow and the world famous Black Dyke Band. He is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, whilst pursuing a performance career in some of the UK's most significant orchestras.

Chris is in the footsteps of his dad and also following those of his granddad, Peter Hewitt, who conducted the band during the nineties and in 2002.

Youth Band musical director Aaron Wolfe took the decision to step down from his position following the NWABBA Rochdale Youth Championships in October 2016. He has since accepted the position of head of brass, wind and percussion at the International Music Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Youth Band has come on leaps and bounds under Aaron's tenure having won highest place NWABBA (2016, 2016), youngest player (2015, 2016), best soprano (2015) and band showing most potential (2016).

The beginner band will soon take on new recruits as they invite Whitworth Band Academy graduates of December 2016 from 'Our Lady & St Anselm's RC Primary School' to join the ranks.

These graduates were taught by academy co-founder Aaron Wolfe, who was delighted by the progress made by the pupils in the 10 week scheme which was established in 2014.

The academy has now introduced brass-based tuition to over 200 pupils since it was set up by the band as part of the legacy in memory of the late Jimmy Grogan, local councillor, Mayor and band president.

A spokesperson said: "Everyone in the organisation would like to thank John and Aaron for all of their efforts both on and off the contest/concert stage, and wish them all the best in their ongoing careers in music education."