The banding world has been paying tribute to Major Peter Parkes who died aged 81 on the weekend.

Legend

The British Federation of Brass Bands led the immediate tributes to their former President.

"It was with great shock and sadness that during the BFBB Executive Meeting on Saturday we heard of the sudden death of our President, Major Peter Parkes.

Peter was one of the legends of the brass band world and was only the second President of the BFBB, following another legend, Harry Mortimer."

Robert Morgan MBE, Chairman of the BFBB, added: "As well as a great musician and conductor, Peter was a lovely man. He supported us for many years as President and was present at our previous meeting in January.

Our thoughts go to his wife Birgit and sons Jonathan and Christopher at this very sad time."

Great pleasure

David Stanley, Vice President and previous Chairman of the BFBB, said: "Peter’s death will be greeted with great sadness across the whole of the brass band world. His musical accomplishments are well documented and brought great pleasure.

We remember him particularly as one of the main forces in making the Federation the thriving body it now is. Peter made us face reality and try to move forward.

During my chairmanship, he was a constant source of encouragement, support and wise counsel. I know that Robert will agree that this has been the continuing case."

He concluded: "When any list of the 'greats' of our movement is made, his name must surely be there. He was also a friend who will be sorely missed. Peter was immensely proud of his sons Jonathan and Christopher and received wonderful support from his wife, Birgit. It is with them and all of his family, that our thoughts first lie."

Major Parkes was one of the finest musical directors the banding movement has ever known and the most successful in modern timesThe Fairey (Geneva) Band

Fairey tribute

The Fairey Band, who Major Parkes led to National, Open and European success also paid a heartfelt tribute.

"Major Parkes was one of the finest musical directors the banding movement has ever known and the most successful in modern times. Alongside the legendary ‘HM’ he ranks as one of the finest MDs to ever grace the Fairey bandroom.

Affectionately known simply as ‘The Major’, he was a giant amongst musicians, equally successful in the traditional and modern brass repertoires.

His reading of Berlioz overtures on what is generally regarded as the band’s finest ever recording is worthy of any of the great orchestral maestros, whilst his interpretation of contemporary works such as McCabe’s ‘Cloudcatcher Fells’ or Wilby’s ‘Masquerade’ is nothing less than definitive.

It was in fact his reading of the Wilby score that earned Fairey its most emphatic contest triumph in the British Open of 1993, a contest won by an amazing 4 clear points!

As history recounts, the band went on to complete a unique treble under the Major’s baton by winning the subsequent National and European Championships."

Scottish tribute

The death of the conductor was also keenly felt in Scotland, where the Exchange Communications Whitburn Band was saddened to learn of the death of their honourary President.

"The Major was the most successful conductor of Whitburn ever, leading the band to a record eight wins at the Scottish Championships. He also conducted the band to victory at the 1991 Grand Shield and the runner-up spot at the 1990 European over an incredible 20-year association.

Whitburn players past and present who were lucky enough to work with him universally agree he led the band in its most successful period in its history and, more than anybody else, made Whitburn a force in Scottish and world brass banding."

Elegy

In tribute, the band dedicated a performance of John Ireland’s ‘Elegy’ from ‘A Downland Suite’ at a recent concert in Bathgate, where Chris Bradley, the band's principal cornet player, addressed the audience and gave a moving account of Major Parkes' time with the band.

Sovereign tribute

Meanwhile, Sovereign Brass, who Major Parkes was to have conducted at the forthcoming Midlands Regional Championships, also paid their tribute:

"It was with much sadness that we received a call from Peter's son Jonathon informing us of his sudden death. Having spoken to him only in the past few days, we were again looking forward to him taking the band to the forthcoming Midland Area contest.

Sovereign Brass is privileged to have been associated with arguably the greatest conductor the movement has ever had, or will ever see again. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Birgit and all his family. Happy memories, he will be missed by us all."