The Kirkintilloch Band has announced the appointment of Ray Munday to the role of Resident Conductor with immediate effect.

Ray moved to Scotland in 1986 to continue his freelance orchestral playing career and has since enjoyed successful tenures as a player with the likes of Whitburn, the then CWS Glasgow, Clackmannan and Kingdom Brass.

Influences

He cites Major Peter Parkes and Howard Snell ad the two major musical influences on him in banding.

As he told 4BR: "Few words are needed about 'The Major' — a gentleman of the highest order. Rehearsals were always ordered and musical. He didn't need to command the respect… it was given freely. Howard was a totally different proposition; detail, precision, accuracy and clarity. It was never dull with him around… on stage it was electric."

Ray also hopes to put what he learnt from these two giants into practice with the former Scottish champion. "The band is working very hard at present and along with the management team we are hoping to build Kirkintilloch into a major force in Scottish and UK banding again."

The band is working very hard at present and along with the management team we are hoping to build Kirkintilloch into a major force in Scottish and UK banding againRay Munday

Notable air

Kirkintilloch Band spokesman Ian Squince added: "In the short time he has been with us, Ray has brought a notable air of enthusiasm and knowledge to our rehearsals.

This mixed with his, and our obvious enthusiasm will hopefully prove to form a successful combination, starting at the Grand Shield in Blackpool in a few weeks time."