The Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced that Black Dyke Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs has agreed to conduct the band at this year’s Scottish Championship.

It continues an association that has already yielded four Scottish Championship wins, and the MD is looking forward to renewing his partnership on the Bourgeois test piece.

He told 4BR: "It's a thrilling test piece and so is the camaraderie of this very special band."

Band Chairman Paul Kiernan added: "We are delighted that once again we can team up with Dr Childs."

The appointment of Dr Childs has given the band a great lift. The mutual respect between him and the band is very evidentBand Manager, Martin Stack

New signings

The band has also announced a quartet of new signings.

Laura Mullen joins on second horn from the Johnstone Band, John Stirling joins on solo baritone from Clackmannan where he was principal euphonium and Chris Shanks comes in on second euphonium from Kirkintilloch. William Lauder moves to second baritone to complete the section, whilst former principal cornet and MD Allan Ramsey has re-joined in a playing capacity.

Great lift

Band Manager Martin Stack added: "The appointment of Dr Childs has given the band a great lift. The mutual respect between him and the band is very evident. We are also very pleased to greet these talented individuals to the team too, as we look forward with purpose to a busy 2012."