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Hedley Benson’s appointment as MD marks a new era for the band. The band have studied the success of various bands who have followed the model of a single conductor in overall charge of the band’s musical development and have been searching for the right candidate for this role. A band spokesperson commented “we are delighted to have Hedley take on this role with the band. Throughout our discussions we were so impressed with his drive and enthusiasm which, together with his undoubted musicianship marks the beginning of an exciting new period for the band both on the contest and concert stage.”
Hedley is from Pudsey, West Yorkshire. He began playing the cornet aged 8 with the
Hammond's Sauce Works junior band and went on to play for many other Yorkshire bands
before moving to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. Following on from this he
completed a MMus at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. Shortly after graduating Hedley
won the position of principal trumpet with the Porto Symphony Orchestra where he spent 5
happy years before moving back to the UK to take up the position of principal trumpet with
Northern Ballet. In 2008 Hedley was appointed co-principal trumpet with the BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra. He is a busy freelancer most recently playing guest principal with the
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony
Orchestra and the Fairey Band. Hedley is a keen chamber musician, soloist and advocate of
brass bands. When not involved in music Hedley can be found standing in the middle of a river
fly fishing, running or trying to keep up with his two young children!
Hedley said “I'm delighted to renew my association with The Kirkintilloch Band. After playing principal cornet with the band many years ago it's great to join this thriving, energetic outfit at the helm as MD.”
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