New conducting team at Shotts

Andrew Duncan, left, and Chris Mansfield will lead conducting duties at Shotts St Patrick's Brass.

SHOTTS St Patrick's Brass Band has announced a new conducting team ahead of the Scottish Championships.

Chris Mansfield has become resident conductor, while Andrew Duncan will take the helm for the contest performance of Philip Harper’s The Mermaid of Zennor in Perth Concert Hall in March.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: "I’m very happy to be working with my friends at Shotts St Patrick's once again and I’m looking forward to taking the band to the Scottish Championships in March.

"I'm delighted that the band has secured the services of Chris Mansfield as its resident conductor. Chris is a superb player and a very talented musician, with whom I regularly work at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra."

Chris, who takes on his role with immediate effect, commented: “I’m very happy to be working with Shotts in the run up to this year’s contest and also getting to work with Andy Duncan who is, without doubt, a great musician. I know that with hard work from both myself and the players in the band, there's no reason why we can’t give a great performance of the test piece.

"I’m really happy to be working with Team Shotts and look forward to what could be a very exciting future between us."

The band is busy preparing for the Scottish Championships, which take place in Perth on March 12 and 13.

Lynsey Mcilwraith, band secretary and principal cornet, added: "Andy Duncan is no stranger to Shotts Band Hall. Having worked with Andy on many occasions in recent years and benefited from his experience, musicality and drive, he was our natural choice for the 2016 Championships.

"The band is delighted that Chris Mansfield has accepted the post as resident conductor. Having worked with Chris in a playing capacity previously, we invited him along to meet with and conduct the band in the latter part of 2015. We were immediately impressed by his ability, aptitude and energy so we are confident that he can work with us to effectively prepare the band for a strong performance in Perth.

"We must also take this opportunity to thank our bandmaster William Brown, who has been working with the band in recent months as resident conductor whilst we took time to reflect on 2015 and put plans in place for success in 2016."