*
banner

Morrison and EYMS to end partnership

The successful five year musical partnership between Alan Morrison and EYMS Band will come to an end at the end of the year.

EYMS
 

The successful five year musical partnership between the East Yorkshire Motor Services Band and conductor Alan Morrison has come to an end.

It is understood that the former Grimethorpe Colliery and Brighouse & Rastrick cornet star has accepted an offer to take his career in a new direction at the end of the year.

Enjoyable years

Alan, who leaves the Hull-based band after what he called, 'five thoroughly enjoyable years', will make his new plans public in the near future, but it has been confirmed that he will conduct EYMS on their Brass in Concert debuts next month.

Although his association with EYMS goes back to 2000, Alan's full-time MD tenure began in 2011 alongside his wife Anita on horn and daughter Natalie on cornet.

Sustained period

It was the start of a period of sustained period of stability and success for the band — gaining an enviable reputation for their brand of entertainment, often using Alan's arrangements and climbing the world ranking following increasingly consistent contest outings.

Alan told 4BR: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my five years at EYMS and leave with many happy memories along with the satisfaction that the band is in good shape for the future.

I wish them every success and thank everyone involved for their support and friendship. I will always be available to help in any capacity and look forward to being asked."

Great five years

In response Band Chairman Tony Newiss added: "I suppose all good things come to an end and I know Alan has wrestled with this decision. It's been a great five years and he leaves us a very different band from the one which greeted his arrival.

Now we need to give him a good send-off at his last contesting engagement at Brass in Concert. We wish Alan all the very best in his new venture and I am sure we will be taking up his offer of assistance at some stage in the not too distant future."

Contest success

During his two spells at the helm, EYMS claimed victory at the Bolsover Festival of Brass on three occasions and also won the Kippax contest to reinforce their reputation as an innovative entertainment contesting band.

In recent years this was also backed up by qualification to the National Finals on two occasions (above), podium finishes at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship and Dr Martin Wainstone Cup and promotion to the Grand Shield, with solid performances also at the Scottish Open.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my five years at EYMS and leave with many happy memories along with the satisfaction that the band is in good shape for the futureAlan Morrison

Hits

EYMS and Alan made one CD together last year, The Old Rugged Cross, which was a compilation of their concert hits.

He is currently the chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd