Besses o' th' Barn has announced that following a long audition process, Mark Wildie has been appointed as their new Musical Director.

Hailing from West Yorkshire, Mark was brought up in a Salvationist family and received his early musical education from the well-known SA bandmaster Brian Parkinson at Wakefield Citadel.

Success

He was also an EEb tuba player for Wakefield Metropolitan Band during its most successful years under Les Hepplestone, helping them to various titles, including a Second Section National Championship and Senior Trophy victory.

As a conductor, Mark has enjoyed spells at Haworth and Garforth and assisted with conducting many bands along the M62 corridor.

Proud

He told 4BR: "I'm proud and humbled to be conducting and leading one of the world's most famous bands and really excited about the future with Besses."

Band Secretary Tilly Tompkins added: "We are delighted that Mark is coming on board and will take the band forward in the New Year."