The death has been announced of the highly respected conductor, composer and arranger Derek Ashmore. He was 83 and had battled bravely against the debilitating effects of Multiple Scleroris.

Conductor

A well known soprano cornet player, he eventually become a successful conductor with the likes of City of Sheffield (formerly Sheffield Recreation), Mossley, Rockingham, and Kibworth. Although not prolific he did lead Rockingham to the Yorkshire Regional Second Section title in 1976.

Arranger

He was also closely associated with Grimethorpe Colliery Band — becoming resident conductor in 1972, although it was as a talented and successful arranger for brass bands and ensembles that he made his name through his own publishing company Hallamshire Music.

Numerous works appeared — cleverly structured as easy listening concert repertoire — a wide variety of which are regularly performed today.

Further details will be announced in due course.