Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass has announced the appointment of former Grimethorpe Colliery Band trombonist Andrew Snell as their new Musical Director.

Born in Somerset, Andrew gained widespread musical experience in his 11 years with the Yorkshire band before he decided to emigrate to New Zealand in 2002.

Since then he has enjoyed tenures as MD at Waitakere City 'Trusts' Brass as well as professional roles in Australia as Lecturer in Brass and Musicianship at Charles Darwin University, the Orchestra Manager for the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and as Chief Executive Officer of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

In 2013 he became Managing Director of Victorian Opera which he combined with the role of Musical Director at Darebin City Brass — Preston Band.

Success

During that tenure the band enjoyed its most successful contesting period in its 90 year history, winning the Victorian State Brass Band Championship on four occasions as well as the Latrobe Valley and Boroondara Eisteddfod titles.

They also topped the own-choice section of the 2017 and 2019 Australian National Championships and claimed at top-six place finish at the 2018 New Zealand Championships.

He returned to New Zealand in 2019 to become the Manager of Performing Arts at the Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch.

Since moving back to New Zealand I've been without regular brass band involvement, so I'm really excited to be back in front of such a fine A Grade band againAndrew Snell

Delighted

Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass spokesperson Kevin McMorran told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome Andrew and look forward to continuing our recent progress with him at the helm".

In response Andrew added: "Since moving back to New Zealand I've been without regular brass band involvement, so I'm really excited to be back in front of such a fine A Grade band again.

They are already on an upward trajectory and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together."

The band took the opportunity to thank conductor Nathaniel Griffiths who recently returned to Australia to undertake further study.