Wigston Announce Small MD Appointment

The Wigston Band has announced the appointment of their new MD, Christopher Small.

The 26 year old is a Euphonium Graduate from the Birmingham Conservatoire and joins the band following a 17 year playing association with Leicestershire Band, Enderby.

Chris told A4B: “I’m delighted at the appointment. Having lead Enderby to success in 2015 whilst they were between conductors and having recently worked with other bands in the first section, I am delighted that Wigston have given me the opportunity of being their organisations full time Musical Director as they are a hard working and committed ensemble.

My thanks go to everyone associated with the Enderby Organisation to whom I owe so much, as well as their current Musical Director Simon Gresswell, who has supported me hugely in my recent conducting development.

I’d also like to pay tribute to Garry Sleath, who has done a superb job with the band for the last 18 years. Garry is a good friend and a true musician and I look forward to developing the band further over the coming years.”

Mick Veasey, Wigston Band Chairman added: “We would like to welcome Chris as the new Musical Director of The Wigston Band. Chris has been a friend of the band for many years. He has helped us with his brilliant Euphonium skills on many occasions.

We went through the auditioning process with other applicants and Chris was a clear leader when the band had a ballot box vote through his knowledge, musicianship, skill set and enthusiasm. The band hope that we have as good a relationship with him as we did with our previous Musical Director, Garry Sleath, who was with us for 18 years before retiring.

We look forward to working with Chris for a long time. We would also like to thank Garry Sleath for all his work and input to the band over the last 18 years.”