A TALENTED trombonist is tuning up for a new role as musical director of Barrhead’s brass band.

Alistair Gibson, 26, has been named as Barrhead Burgh Band’s new conductor and will combine this with his full-time post as a musician with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Originally from Midhurst, in West Sussex, Mr Gibson is completely new to the brass banding movement in Scotland.

But the Royal Northern College of Music graduate said he can’t wait to get started, with his first goal being to get the band playing more often in East Renfrewshire.

Mr Gibson told the Barrhead News: “It’s early days but I would love the band to have a greater presence in the area.

“Brass bands should never just turn up to rehearsals and do what they want. They need to be seen to be working in the area and being part of the community.

“There is an excellent standard of playing at Barrhead and they’re a really nice bunch of people. I think I’m going to get on with them well.”

Barrhead Burgh Band currently competes in the 4th section – the lowest level of brass banding in Scotland – but has spent a number of years playing at a higher level since being formed in 1949.

Mr Gibson, who is based in Edinburgh, is eager to help band members ‘up their game.’

“I want to see this band back in the 3rd section within two years,” he said. “They are a really good band and there is so much potential there.

“I have a varied background playing and conducting different types of music. I’ve done some swing, played in orchestras and been involved with brass banding for a long time, so hopefully I can help the band move forward and we can get playing some great stuff.”

And it’s not just Mr Gibson who is eager to get going, as the rest of the band are excited to have him on board.

A post on the band’s Facebook page reads: “Alistair has a wealth of experience in both performance and conducting. The band are looking forward to the future under Alistair’s direction.”

The band is currently on the lookout for cornet and bass players and anyone who is interested is urged to get in touch by sending an email to secretary.barrheadburghband@gmail.com.

Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Salvation Army base in Paisley.