4BR has been informed that the newly crowned Midlands Regional Champion, Virtuosi GUS, has withdrawn from this year's English National Championships.

Difficult decision

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band has a very busy work schedule throughout May, June and July, as well as contest appearances at the Masters, Open and National Finals during the remainder of 2010. In addition, two members of the band are unavailable for the contest due to unavoidable work commitments, so the band management has therefore made the very difficult decision to withdraw."

We just didn’t feel that it was a positive step for the band to borrow two players on limited rehearsal for such a complex composition in amongst our concert engagementsShawn Pagington, First Brass

Sympathy

Shawn Pagington, Virtuosi GUS Band Manager and Managing Director of First Brass told 4BR: "I sympathise with the band’s position entirely. We just didn’t feel that it was a positive step for the band to borrow two players on limited rehearsal for such a complex composition in amongst our concert engagements."

Shawn added: "I can confirm that First Brass will however continue to support the event and we sincerely hope that the Virtuosi GUS Band will be in the position to attend next year."