We are pleased to announce that Michael Fowles has agreed to adjudicate at our 2016 contest.

Michael's earliest musical education came from the peripatetic services of North Staffordshire. This led to honours degree studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, during which time he was a member of the trombone section of Britannia Building Society (Fodens) Band and a post graduate course studying conducting with Howard Snell. Upon completion of his studies Michael was invited to work at the RNCM as a conductor and administrator, which he did for 5 years.

Michael's conducting career took flight with the Point of Ayr Band from North Wales. During his 5 year tenure the band enjoyed what is arguably its most successful period winning the Welsh Area twice, many entertainment contest victories and third prize at the 1998 European Championships.

Further permanent relationships have seen him work with the BT Band as Musical Director and Leyland Band as Associate Conductor. As Professional Conductor he has worked with Flowers Band, Tredegar Town Band and a highly successful relationship with Co-Operative Funeralcare Band that netted 2 Scottish Opens and an All England International Masters title in three years.

Educational work also forms an important part of Michael's musical life. He is Course Director of the Wessex Band Summer School. He is also a regular guest conductor for school projects in both Staffordshire and Leicestershire and undertakes much training work with bands of all levels from championship to youth including being Associate Conductor of Lions Youth Band.

Currently Michael is Musical Director of the Ratby Co-Operative Band, a position he has held since 2004. Based in Leicestershire, this is an organisation that boasts around 140 players spread across 5 bands from beginners to senior band level. As MD of the organisation Michael oversees all aspects of its artistic development paying particular attention to the movement of players between the bands.

In addition to his work at Ratby 2009 saw Michael delighted to accept a major appointment, to become Musical Director of Fodens Band. This relationship has produced high quality concerts and recordings that have been met with critical acclaim and awards from the Banding Press. It has also seen a close collaboration with composer-in-residence Andy Scott that has introduced audiences all over the country to a new musical language for brass band.