Andrew Duncan has announced his planned departure as Musical Director of Kingdom Brass following the band’s appearance at the Scottish Open in Perth later this month.

The decision has been prompted by his recent appointment as Development Manager of the Scottish Brass Band Association, which involves Andrew in a broad spectrum work within the banding community across Scotland.

Conflicts

As he explained to 4BR: "It was obvious when taking on this role that situations may present themselves with the potential to be misconstrued by others as conflicts of interest.

Therefore leaving Kingdom Brass after the Scottish Open makes timely sense and offers the band an ideal period to settle in with my successor before the Scottish Championships next year."

Privilege

Andrew added: "It has been an immense privilege to have worked with Kingdom Brass over the last two years. They are a strong and determined group of players who have achieved so much at all levels.

They have been a flagship organisation with their successful youth initiatives seeing the need to protect their own future, whilst at the same time developing into one of the leading bands in Scotland to which the younger players can aspire.”

With recent wins at the Land O'Burns and Fife Charities contests Andrew’s leaving us in a very strong position, and we would like to thank him for his hard work over the past two yearsKingdom Secretary, John Todd

Decision

John Todd, Secretary of Kingdom Brass, commented on Andrew's departure by adding: "When Andrew was appointed by SBBA's he informed us of his decision to step down. We've worked closely with him for the past few months to identify a suitable successor, and we'll be announcing our new conducting team soon."

He added: "With recent wins at the Land O'Burns and Fife Charities contests Andrew’s leaving us in a very strong position, and we would like to thank him for his hard work over the past two years.

We will of course be working with him in his new SBBA role on our Youth Development Programme and with the development of our new 'B' Band as we continue to strengthen the Kingdom organisation."

Outside Scotland

Andrew stated that following the forthcoming Scottish Open he will only conduct at contests taking place outside Scotland.

His conducting activities within Scotland will be restricted to non-contesting activities.