Salford University will be saying farewell to one of the banding movement’s most respected composers in February, with the retirement of Professor Peter Graham, who has been associated with the University Music Directorate for 22 years.

Also taking a well deserved retirement is another long serving member of staff, Dr Mick Wilson, who also specialised in composition along with Peter.

Respected

It means that the highly respected Dan Price will take over Professor Graham’s tutorial responsibilities at the University.

February will be a busy time as the University Brass Band works with Garry Cutt in preparation for their first concert of the season at Peel Hall on 19th February, which will see graduate Ben Dixon receiving the Roy Newsome Conducting Prize.

This puts the Directorate in a strong position for the move to our new premises, with state of the art lecture and rehearsal facilities on the new Gateway campus opening in early 2016Brett Baker

Welcome return

In May, there will be the welcome return of Dr Howard Evans to conduct at the eagerly anticipated Celebration Concert.

Pathway Leader Brett Baker told 4BR: "We are all sad to see Mick and Peter leave, but thrilled we have managed to gain someone of such stature of Dan Price to take over compositional responsibilities in specialised tutorials and performance."

He added: "This puts the Directorate in a strong position for the move to our new premises, with state of the art lecture and rehearsal facilities on the new Gateway campus opening in early 2016."