East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has appointed Stig Maersk as its new Musical Director. The Danish born conductor will make his debut at the North of England Regional Championship this weekend.

New era

The appointment begins a new era for the Hull-based band after they enjoyed a successful five year partnership with Alan Morrison. EYMS went through an audition process during January and has been working with Stig for a number of weeks.

It also rounds off a busy time for the Dane as he completed his commitments with Yorkshire Imperial and Wakefield Metropolitan at the recent Yorkshire Regional Championships.

Right man

EYMS chairman Tony Newiss told 4BR: "We were encouraged by both the quantity and quality of applicants for the role, but we felt Stig was the man to take us forward.

Now that he has completed his commitments we can announce his appointment and we look forward to the future with him at the helm."

Freelance

Stig Maersk is a teacher of brass at St John's University in York and lives in Wakefield, just a short motorway shuttle drive to the EYMS bandroom. He was principal cornet with Danish champion Concord Brass prior to studying trumpet at the Danish Royal Academy in Jutland and becoming a freelance professional.

I'm very happy to be appointed Musical Director of EYMS, and excited for what looks to become a great relationshipStig Maersk

Great relationship

He told 4BR: "The minute I spoke to Tony I felt this was a very a strong and professional organisation. I'm very happy to be appointed Musical Director of EYMS, and excited for what looks to become a great relationship.

Taking over from Alan Morrison makes me feel very proud and humble, and I will do everything in my power to keep the progress and development going."

He added: "I would like to send a massive thank you to the Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band for a very good two years together. I have made a lot of good friends there, and their commitment and kindness is extraordinary.

I wish them the very best for the future, and I hope they can achieve the goals we set out together."