John Roberts will be leaving his tenure as resident conductor of Reg Vardy Band after a final concert appearance with the North East Regional champion this weekend.

Successful

John has enjoyed two successful years in the role, working on a wide variety of projects. These have included the world premiere of Lucy Pankhursts' 'Pathways' at the Durham Brass Festival, the successful CD recording 'Completely Catherall', concerts at Durham Cathedral and as part of InterOpera's commemoration of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, and also in preparation for contests ranging from the North East Area to the Grand Shield.

Thanks to his detailed work alongside professional conductors and his own direction, Reg Vardy has secured victories at the Area Championship and the Doctor Martin Entertainment contest and has once again become a strong challenger at the National Finals.

Enjoyed

John told 4BR: "I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Reg Vardy in this my second stint at the band — making great progress and achieving fine results.

Work and travel commitments mean that I have to concentrate on other areas of my professional life, but I wish the band the very best and I hope when time permits, I will be able to work with them again."

He has helped to build a strong, settled team who are confident and enjoyin their music making together Band Manager, Graeme Tindall

Second to none

Band Manager, Graeme Tindall added: "John's commitment, dedication and enthusiasm has been second to none. He has helped to build a strong, settled team who are confident and enjoyin their music making together.

He will be greatly missed but will remain a life-long friend of the band and I'm sure we will work together again in the future."