The Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band has announced the appointment of Leigh Baker as their new Resident Conductor.

Energy and talent

"Leigh is a young conductor with real energy and talent and the band is delighted to welcome him into the bandroom," commented Band Managaer Steve Thompson to 4BR.

He added: "From his very first rehearsal, Leigh generated a real buzz, and his enthusiasm and imagination will be such an asset to Carlton Main. We all hope it will be a long and fruitful relationship"

Icing on the cake

Leigh also spoke enthusiastically to 4BR about his appointment: "It's an exciting time for me at the moment and this is the real icing on the cake. They are a great band and I’m already enjoying working on 'Red Priest' in preparation for the British Open. The concert schedule is also very good and I’m busy planning programmes for the autumn."

From his very first rehearsal, Leigh generated a real buzz, and his enthusiasm and imagination will be such an asset to Carlton Main. We all hope it will be a long and fruitful relationshipBand Manager Steve Thompson

Bonding exercise

He added; "Philip McCann is also one of my musical heroes. I'm really looking forward to re-igniting the musical bonds formed with him when I was at Huddersfield Polytechnic and look forward to our partnership."

Police appearance

Leigh has had great success with the South Yorkshire Police Band over the last 3 years alongside a busy guest conducting diary, guiding them to Yorkshire Area success and National Finals podium places as well as promotion to the First Section.

This relationship is set to continue and Leigh will lead SYPB at the forthcoming National Finals in Cheltenham.