Elland Silver has announced that James Shepherd has retired as Musical Director after a highly successful four year period with the band.

Under his guidance Elland recorded a critically acclaimed CD and continued to build an excellent reputation for contest and concert success.

Victories

Contest victories included wins at the Pogson Bray Entertainment event in 2011, as well as winning the Third Section Yorkshire Regional title in 2012 – going on to come runner-up at the National Finals in Cheltenham and gain promotion to the Second Section for the new season ahead.

Privileged

Band Secretary Kathleen Harrison told 4BR: "Everyone associated with the band thank Jim for all his hard work and dedication and wish him well in the future. We are privileged to have worked with a musician of his experience.

He has been an inspiration to us all, and we will miss him greatly."

He has been an inspiration to us all, and we will miss him greatlyKathleen Harrison

Dyke replacement

Meanwhile, the immediate future of the band is in the very capable hands of ex Black Dyke horn player, David Essex.

David will lead Elland at the Second Section Yorkshire Regional Championships in March, whilst applications are being advertised on 4BR to invite conductors to apply for the MD role.