Trentham Band has announced the appointment of Shaun Farrington as their new Musical Director.

He takes over from Mike Caveney who decided to step down from the role after 19 successful years at the helm.

Experience

Shaun has gained widespread experience since beginning his banding career on bass trombone with City of Stoke-on-Trent Brass, now Trentham Brass Band.

He studied Music Performance at Salford University, winning the prestigious Roy Newsome Conducting Award before playing for a number of bands at the highest level before joining the current National Champion, Foden's in 2009.

He told 4BR: "It's a great honour to work with Trentham and I look forward to taking the band forward."

In response Band Chairman, John Stevenson added: "We are all excited for the future. We had a number of high quality applications but Shaun stood out as the ideal candidate."

Fond farewell

The band recently bid a fond farewell to Mike Caveney, who conducted his final concert with them in July.

With over 60 years of musical experience — from his time with the Black Watch and CWS Manchester bands to nearly two decades conducting Trentham, he has been one of the most popular musicians in the banding movement.

During his tenure he oversaw changes of name, at least 9 changes of rehearsal home and was the driving force behind the creation of a Training Band which continues to grow and develop musicians of all ages.

We are all excited for the future. We had a number of high quality applications but Shaun stood out as the ideal candidateBand Chairman, John Stevenson

Success

In recent years he led the band in their promotion to the Third Section, won the Wychavon Entertainment concert, qualified for the Fourth Section National Finals and led the band in two extremely enjoyable European Tours, including playing at the prestigious Menin Gate 'Last Post Ceremony'.

Band Chairman, John Stevenson added: "Mike is adamant this is not a retirement and I am sure he has many ideas to keep him involved in the brass band movement. Everybody at Trentham Brass wishes him well for the future."