Darwen Brass has announced the appointment of Matt Shaw as their new Musical Director.

The Royal Northern College of Music graduate has a gained a wealth of experience as a player, composer and conductor, with bands such as Wingates, Foden's and Rainford as well as with orchestras and ensembles.

He also worked in the Brass and Percussion Department at Chetham's School of Music and is an accomplished, widely published composer and arranger through his label, Nova Vocem Music.

He previously led the likes of Farnworth & Walkden Band, Golborne and Freckleton and is currently the Musical Director of the South Ribble Concert Band and Warrington Youth Orchestra.

Very pleased

A band spokesperson stated: "Matt is very pleased to be asked to join as our new MD, and to continue the great work undertaken by David W Ashworth.

He's excited by the potential and is looking forward to working with such a friendly, passionate, and driven group of musicians."

Thanks

The band also took the opportunity to thank outgoing MD, David W Ashworth, for his 15-month tenure at the helm where he travelled from his home in Saddleworth to Darwen twice a week. It saw him lead the band to the Fourth Section Fleetwood Contest title and gain a podium finish at the 2025 National Finals.

He added: "The travel has taken its toll, and in my opinion it's now time for me to move on and leave the band in the capable hands of Matt. We part wishing each other well for the future and I would like to thank each of the members of Darwen Brass for making me extremely welcome."