Michael Howley has resigned as Musical Director of the Grange Moor Band after four very enjoyable years at the helm.

Difficult decision

Michael told 4BR: "It has been a difficult decision to make as I have had some fantastic times with the band. I hopefully leave them in a great position after their promotion to the First Section for 2011.

"The committee of the band have asked if I would be available to help find a successor and I am happy to be involved in the audition process for a band that is really going places."

Sally and I are expecting our first child in September — although not the Open weekend I hope — and we are very excited. Unfortunatley something had to change to make sure we could copeMichael Howley

New 'Home'

Michael has recently accepted the posititon of principal euphonium with the Hepworth (Cookson Homes) whilst he is also expecting the imminent arrival of his first child too.

First child

He added: "Sally and I are expecting our first child in September — although not the Open weekend I hope — and we are very excited. Unfortunatley something had to change to make sure we could cope."

In the meantime Michael has been working with Bob Tucci in designing a new range of euphonium mouthpieces.