ALDER Valley Brass Band has welcomed former Irish Guards bandsman and conductor Lee Woodward as its new musical director.

Lee is an experienced musician, who has directed bands since 2007. His most recent success has been conducting both Saint Sebastian’s and Staines Lammas bands.

In 2016, Lee led Saint Sebastian’s to their first ever appearance at the area contest second section finals.

He is now looking forward to the challenge of taking Alder Valley Brass forward, building on the strong foundations left by Roger Burke.

Having had lots of experience playing in bands, Lee joined the Army as a musician, serving firstly with the band of The King’s Regiment, before successfully auditioning for a post with the band of The Irish Guards.

Lee was later posted to the band of The Logistic Corps. Retirement from the Army came in 2014.

Lee is now looking forward to the challenge of preparing the band for the area contest, held in March, as well as a busy summer season.

The band currently have vacancies on bass trombone, cornet and percussion. Anyone interested can email Lee at [email protected].