Renowned conductor visits Milnrow Band

As part of its continuing development, United Co-op Milnrow Band welcomed one of the brass world's most celebrated conductors to a recent rehearsal. Major Peter Parkes is the most successful post-war conductor of brass bands, leading both the Black Dyke and William Fairey Bands to an unprecedented level of success, and working with most of the world's top brass bands and musicians over the last 30 years.

Milnrow Musical Director, John Ward, explained more: “When I came to the the band at January, I stated my desire for the band to have the opportunity to work under different conductors from time to time. Milnrow is a young band, not just in terms of age, but in top-level experience, and knew that they would benefit much from a visit by 'The Major', as he is affectionately know.”

Mr Ward is currently preparing the band for the Spring Festival competition at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on May 10, where the test-work for the day will be An Epic Symphony, by Percy Fletcher, and it was on this music that Major Peter Parkes rehearsed the band on.

Mr Ward concluded: “Peter demonstrated, in two hours, why he has been at the top of his profession for 30 years, with his charm, articulate manner, fantastic musical mind and motivational qualities. The band learned much from this experience and I look forward to welcoming another guest conductor in the coming months.”

Date article online: 04/05/2008