Dr. Keith M. Wilkinson was the inspiration for the formation of BBWR and has been delighted to play an integral part in the development of this ensemble. Since arriving in USA in 1996 Keith has been privileged to share his talents as guest conductor with several brass bands in USA and Canada and is currently, in addition to BBWR, musical director of Chapel Brass.

Keith brings with him a wealth of experience gained initially as bandmaster of the Salvation Army Bands at Ashton-Under-Lyne and Derby Central followed by successful periods as musical director of leading championship bands, the GUS Band and the William Davis Band. He was also in constant demand to travel, around Europe as well as Britain, as a guest conductor and adjudicator.

Keith still receives invitations to conduct in Britain and in March, 2004, he led the Newtongrange (Edinburgh) Band to first place in the First Section of the Scottish Championships and in September to fourth place in the UK Finals.

Arranging has always appealed to Keith and he now has more than 90 published arrangements with publishers in Britain, Switzerland and USA. Some of his arrangements have been used as test pieces in major championships.

In March 2008 he was presented the God And Country Music Award for “his outstanding contributions to brass banding in USA, Britain and Europe”.

Keith is a professor of mathematics at Capital University.