Top cornet player Rob Westacott is taking on a new role – as conductor.
Rob, well known in the brass banding world for his musicianship, has been appointed by Slaithwaite Band as its new conductor.
Rob takes over from Tabby Clegg who left the band in June. It is Rob’s first official appointment as a conductor.
During his career, Rob has held principal positions with some of the top bands, including Brighouse and Rastrick, Grimethorpe and latterly as assistant principal at Black Dyke.
Rob was also a cornet tutor for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain, the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association and Yorkshire Youth Band. He has also assisted regular musical directors of several other bands in contest preparation and sectionals.
Rob said: “I am really grateful that Slaithwaite has given me this opportunity to begin my conducting career.
“I look forward to a successful partnership, even though our first concert is on Friday 13th!"
What Rob is referring to is the band’s annual Proms concert which will be held in St James’ Church, Slaithwaite on September 13 at 7.30pm. That’s next Friday.
The band will doubtless be delighted by that sense of humour as well as by Rob’s undoubted musical skills.
Band Manager, Andrew Booth said: “Following a long selection process for a new conductor, the band are thrilled to welcome Rob into the fold.
“He brings with him a wealth of talent and experience which can only be beneficial to the development of the band”.
