Leyland Band appoint Danny Brooks Brooks as our new Musical Director.

We are delighted to welcome back Danny Brooks to lead the band from the start of 2024.

Danny’s connection to Leyland started many years ago. Being both his hometown band and also a band where enjoyed great success as the Principal Trombone.

Danny played a significant role in Leyland’s rise to perform at the European Championships in Oslo in 2013. He also won soloist prizes with Leyland during successes at Brass In Concert with Richard Evans. Playing under the baton of Mr Evans inspired Danny to become a conductor. Along with Richard, other Leyland Musical Directors Jason Katsikaris and Michael Bach were influential. The trio of conductors Danny holds a huge amount of admiration and respect for.

Conducting Journey

In recent years, Danny has gained great acclaim as a conductor during the meteoric rise of Yorkshire band Elland Silver. During his 11 year tenure at Elland, the band quickly rose through the ranks. He took them from the Second Section all the way to the elite Championship Section. There, they began performing alongside the titans of Yorkshire banding for the last seven years.

Well known as an inspirational educator of young brass musicians, Danny founded the Red Admiral Music Academy in 2014. The ‘Reds’ continue to flourish. Hundreds of young players have benefited from tuition through the Academy, many graduating into the UK’s top brass bands. Leyland Band has witnessed first hand how effective Danny has been with the Academy, performing joint concerts in recent years.

Danny commented on his appointment

Leyland Band has a wonderful heritage and long history of top class musicians and conductors. Adding my name to that list is an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to get started. There are exciting times ahead for us and we’ll strive to be the best we can be. On the concert and contest platforms, bringing joy, first class playing and entertainment wherever we go”