The National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS) have announced the forthcoming retirement of Course Director, Neil Cross.

20 years

After 20 years in the role, Neil has decided to retire after the conclusion of this year’s summer courses being held in Perth and Stirling.

The NYBBS parent body, the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has publicly acknowledged Neil’s commitment and hard work and thanked him for his dedication in enabling member numbers to nearly triple during this tenure as Course Director.

Dedication

George Burt, President of SBBA told 4BR: "The dedication of Neil’s work in organising the residential courses and many of the additional performance opportunities has enabled SBBA to look at the organisation’s further development in terms of matching the profiles of the other national youth music organisations in Scotland."

He added: "SBBA is extremely grateful for the energy and time that Neil has dedicated to this role and offers him and his family its best wishes for more relaxed summers!"

34 years

Neil has been involved with NYBBS for the last 34 years, originally as a playing member before taking up the organisational role in 1993.

However, with the new NYBBS Board in place, he felt it was an ideal time to relieve himself of the heavy administrative workload which has become more difficult to incorporate into his many other commitments.

It's been an absolute joy to work with Neil these 20 or more years. He's the most professional man I've ever worked with and he will be greatly missedRichard Evans

Joy

Richard Evans, Musical Director of NYBBS offered his own congratulations to him: "It's been an absolute joy to work with Neil these 20 or more years. He's the most professional man I've ever worked with and he will be greatly missed.

I offer him my sincerest best wishes in his retirement from NYBBS."

Arrangements for the 2013 NYBBS Summer Courses are now in full flow, with Neil maintaining his normal role throughout the preparations for a 20th time.