Newly appointed Associate Conductor Andrew Craze will now be heavily involved in the weekly rehearsal schedule, planning and conducting the concerts of the band when they return to action following the enforced Coronavirus pandemic break.
He will join Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie in sharing the conducting duties after Kevin stepped down from a full time commitment to the role due to work commitments.Andrew, returned to Cornwall in 2018 following success leading Norfolk Wherry Band to the Fourth Section National title in 2012, and City of Norwich to London & Southern Area titles in both 2015 and 2018. He then led Redruth Town to a trio of SWBBA, West of England Area and Bugle Contest victories.
He told 4BR: "I'm looking forward to working with such a talented group of musicians. Having recently conducted the band over the Christmas period I can see the drive and determination that the players and supporters have. It brings excitement to the practice room that I find infectious and as a conductor."
Meanwhile, Kevin added: "It was a difficult decision to make but it was only fair for the band to seek another conductor. However, when they came to me with the proposition of still working with them I was very happy. I will be involved in the preparation for contests, Andrew will do many of the concerts and the band will also look forward to working with professional conductors.
This set up has proved to work very well indeed with a win at the SWBBA contest in Torquay conducted by myself and then the victory at the Regionals under Ian Porthouse. The future looks great when we get back to rehearsals!"