Thoresby Colliery Announce Michael Howley as new MD

Thoresby Colliery Band announce the appointment of new Musical Director, Michael Howley.

Thoresby Colliery Band are excited to be working with their new Musical Director, Michael Howley across their Christmas season and in to the new year. As a professional musician with the Royal Air Force and a Willson Performing Artist, Michael is in great demand both at home and worldwide as a soloist, conductor and teacher.

Educated at the Royal Northern College of Music, he has performed at prestigious venues including Symphony Hall, Birmingham; the Brucknerhaus, Austria; and the Sydney Opera House, Australia. During a career spanning three decades, Mike has held the position of Principal Euphonium with the Yorkshire Building Society Band, Brighouse and Rastrick band and the Desford Colliery band.

In 2019 he achieved a lifetime ambition and performed in the Yorkshire Area contest as Principal Euphonium with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Michael told A4B: “It is with great pride and excitement that I accept the role as Musical Director with the Thoresby Band. The band have impressed me greatly with their enthusiasm, commitment and dedication. We have a busy Christmas concert schedule and a very exciting 2020 planned.”

The band would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ian McElligott, following the decision to bring their professional partnership to an end. The band, under the direction of Ian, have enjoyed a successful period spanning 4 years, which included two consecutive appearances at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, and achieved promotion to the Grand Shield.

Ian commented, “It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead the band though one of its most successful periods on the contest platform, but felt the time was right to consider fresh opportunities to conduct and new challenges.” Ian continues his position as Resident Musical Director of Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, and Thoresby wish them all the best for their exciting projects, concerts and contests coming up over the next few months. Michaels first outing with the band will be at their concert in St. Mary’s Church, Edwinstowe on Saturday 26 October.