Following the departure of Musical Director David Nicholson due to international work commitments, St Austell Town Band has appointed Garry Lannie as their new MD.

Garry has been working with the Cornish band since the beginning of the year but has an association going back to the 1980s. Hugely experienced, he has also enjoyed tenures at St Dennis, Bodmin, St Breward, Launceston and St Pinnock as well as being a tutor at the Cornwall Youth Brass Band.

Home

He told 4BR: "I'm delighted to be back at St Austell. I've so many memories and friends here, and although I've played and conducted elsewhere its always been home for me.

We have exciting things planned and with a great mix of youthful enthusiasm and experience I can't wait to get stuck in."

Working alongside Garry will be newly appointed Musical Advisor Derek Greenwood — one of Cornish bandings most respected musical figures.

Thrilled

He added: "I'm thrilled to be back at St Austell, a band that is bursting with young talent and enthusiastic, experienced players who really work as a team. They display great commitment, motivation and ambition. I'm thoroughly enjoying my involvement and I'm looking forward to working with Garry."

Garry and Derek make a formidable team, and combined with our talented players and an outstanding youth programme led by Anna Minear, Hannah Hawken and David Mumford we are looking forward to a great futureSt Austell Band

Formidable team

Reflecting on the appointments Band Chairman Rob Faro added: "We're grateful for the hard work and leadership offered by David Nicholson, someone who will remain a good friend of the band, as well as Iain McKnight who stepped in at short notice to lead us at the Area contest.

Garry and Derek make a formidable team, and combined with our talented players and an outstanding youth programme led by Anna Minear, Hannah Hawken and David Mumford we are looking forward to a great future."