4BR has been informed of the death of the respected conductor Stephen Shimwell.
Stephen passed away suddenly on Friday 30th April at his home in Matlock, Derbyshire.
Sorely missed
Richard Walker, told 4BR: "Steve was best remembered for his work as a Brass tutor for Derbyshire in the 1980's, and for his creation of the South East Derby band, which eventually became Orion Airways Brass, Britannia Airways Brass and Thorntons.
As well as the Jaguar Cars Band Steve had involvement with many other ensembles. He was an inspirational teacher, and he will be sorely missed."
Great shock
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills Band (formerly known as Thorntons Brass), told 4BR: "Stephen's death has come a as a great shock to everyone. He had conducted a concert with the band as recently as 25th April and was on fine form, thoroughly enjoying conducting and the bands playing."
Stephen had been associated with the band right from it's earliest beginnings as the South East Derbyshire Music Centre Band, some thirty years ago.
As well as the Jaguar Cars Band Steve had involvement with many other ensembles. He was an inspirational teacher, and he will be sorely missedRichard Wlaker
Driving force
The spokesperson added: "He was the founder, driving force and inspiration in everything the band has done over that time, including taking the band from it's first Fourth Section contest in 1984 to making it's debut in the Championship Section in 1991, an achievement rarely matched.
There are still several members of the band remaining from those early days and have many happy memories of the many prestigious and exciting projects that Stephen was at the heart of.
Stephen will be sadly missed by all that knew him and we send our deepest sympathies to his wife Jill and sons James and Alex."
Funeral details
Stephen's funeral will be held on Thursday 13th May, 10.45am at
All Saints Church, Youlgrave, Derbyshire
If anyone needs more information, please contact Phil Peat by e-mail at p.peat@sky.com
