Personnel changes at Flowers

After 8 years at the helm, Paul Holland has resigned from his role as Musical Director of Flowers Band. Commenting on his time as MD Paul said, “In short, every engagement has been a pleasure to conduct." He continued to explain the decision to part company with the West of England Champions, “I'm sorry to say that the committee and I cannot agree on several matters moving forward and I have therefore tendered my resignation. I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the members of the band, past and present, for their hard work, commitment, friendship and music making.”

Band Manager John Gillam said: "The Trustees and Committee would like to thank Paul for his contribution to Flowers Band during this time and wish him well in his future endeavours." Following this departure Flowers Band has announced that David Childs will work with them as a guest conductor. It is understood that the star euphonium player will help with some concert appearances after this date and that no decision has been made over a new permanent Musical Director.

A permanent appointment that Flowers Band are delighted to confirm is that Carole Crompton is joining them on Solo Baritone and made her first public appearance with the band on 22^nd April at Pershore Abbey. The former Desford and Foden’s star player recently moved to The Midlands and was delighted that she could pick up her playing career after taking early retirement from her role as Arts Development Officer at Bolsover District Council.

Carole commented, “It’s an ideal opportunity for me as Flowers offers the type of top class Championship Section playing I have enjoyed over the years and I’m really looking forward to a new chapter in my playing career. I’m looking forward also to playing under David Childs on his forthcoming spell as Guest Conductor with The Band”.

Carole’s experience includes four National Championship successes with Desford as well as European title, whilst she also gained widespread acknowledgement as a soloist during her spell with Desford under James Watson and Foden’s under Howard Snell. The renowned composer Paul Mealor wrote his first major work for the banding medium for her with his critically acclaimed ‘Baritone Concerto’.

Flowers Band Manager John Gillam told added: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Carole. Her experience and quality is a huge boost to the band as we move forward ”.