Conductor Leigh Baker has been racking up the air miles over the autumn, enjoying some far-flung activities.

Leigh's autumn half term was spent on a tour of the Far East to Thailand, Singapore and Phuket conducting Desford Band.

As well as a number of sell out concerts the band carried out workshops with talented pupils in four schools as well as presenting discovery concerts for various groups of enthusiastic youngsters.

Amazing locations

Leigh told 4BR: "The locations were amazing and the band performed so well, but the chance to inspire a new generation of musicians new to brass bands was the real highlight."

Leigh has also been heading north too — winging his way to Scotland to work with Scottish champion Whitburn.

He will lead the band at Brass in Concert this weekend at Sage Gateshead, with what he believes is a really inventive programme that could well make a mark.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend and excited about a programme which may raise a few eyebrows!Leigh Baker

Raise an eyebrow

He added: "Whitburn is a great band, and I've been so impressed at how hard they have worked and taken on board new and interesting ideas. I'm really looking forward to the weekend and excited about a programme which may raise a few eyebrows!"

All this and Leigh has also managed to squeeze in work with the South Yorkshire Police and Staffordshire Bands, as well as making a few appearances with his beloved Terriers Brass (Huddersfield Town FC).