Raf Van Looveren, has stepped down from his position as principal cornet with former European Champion, Brass Band Willebroek.
Leading players
Regarded as one of the leading cornet players in European banding, the Belgian will continue to perform on a freelance basis with bands both at home and abroad.
Incredible time
Speaking to 4BR, Raf outlined the difficult decision he had made. "For almost 20 years I have enjoyed an incredible time as a musician with Brass Band Willebroek, first as percussionist, later as third cornet and for the last 11 years as principal cornet.
We had some fantastic times and like any young brass player in Belgium it was a dream to play with them. Over the years Frans Violet taught me so much about style, sound and good band technique and musicianship. It was a perfect learning school for me."
Obligated to leave
However, certain non playing moves with the former European Champions has led to his decision to leave with immediate effect.
"The decision to stop was very difficult for me but also an easy one too," he said. "As the band has certain sponsorship obligations, I felt obligated to leave. It became impossible for me to carry on playing with them."
As the band has certain sponsorship obligations, I felt obligated to leave. It became impossible for me to carry on playing with themRaf Van Looveren
New challenges
He will however carry on playing. "I can’t really say leaving the band is a happy ending for me, but with my great friend Bert Van Theinen leaving the band a few months ago, the decision was made a little easier.
Luckily I haven’t lost my love for playing the cornet or for brass band music making and I hope to carry on playing with different bands in Belgium and a few bands overseas. I’m really looking forward to that."
Great fan
However, he still remains a great fan of his former bands — and will be supporting them in the future. "I wish all the musicians of Brass Band Willebroek all the best in the future. Hopefully I can cheer for them at one of the next Europeans."
