Grimethorpe Colliery Band has responded to the resignation of Professional Conductor Phillip McCann by announcing that they have renewed their musical partnership with former MD, Alan Withington.

Not for me

The news follows the recent departure of star soprano player Kevin Crockford, and saw Phillip McCann announce on his Facebook page, that like his former Black Dyke colleague, he felt 'Grimethorpe are going down a path which is not for me.'

He said: "This is a very sad night. Following developments that have seen Michael Dodd, Laura Hirst and even my trusted old Black Dyke colleague Kevin Crockford departing from Grimethorpe Colliery Band, I have now sadly found myself penning my own resignation. To put it simply, and I'm sure Kevin won't mind me echoing his words, 'Grimethorpe are going down a path which is not for me.'"

He added: "For some months I had been looking forward to conducting the band at the British Open, but recent developments have made that impossible. I have enjoyed much of my recent work with the band, as there has been some great playing and performances that I shall cherish in my memory.

I'd like to thank the players who supported what we set out to achieve together and wish them success in the future."

Initial enthusiasm

Phillip McCann was appointed Professional Conductor in September 2016, with an enthusiasm that aimed high — to say the least.

He said at the time: "I am looking forward with great excitement to work with and make music with such an extremely talented group of musicians, some of the finest instrumentalists in the brass band movement.

We will 'together' aim for the stars and with hard work, commitment and belief in each other, hopefully reach the moon! I have such enthusiasm for 2017."

However, after coming runner-up at the Brass in Concert Championship in the November, there followed the disappointment of failing to qualify for the National Final at the Yorkshire Regional Championship in March, where they came sixth.

Withington return

Now the band returns to the man who led them to two National Championship of Great Britain titles, a brace of English National Championship successes and victories at the Yorkshire Regional and Brass in Concert events between 2005 and 2010.

Allan Withington, who works and lives in Norway and France has been the MD of Stavanger Band for a number of years.

A little later on their own Facebook page Grimethorpe stated: "In its centenary year, The Grimethorpe Colliery Band is committed to preserving the traditions of excellence and innovation created by its past members, and also to building an inclusive, forward-thinking team that can ensure a solid and sustainable organisation for future generations."

For some months I had been looking forward to conducting the band at the British Open, but recent developments have made that impossiblePhillip McCann

Renewal

They in turn added: "With this in mind, there have been a few personnel changes recently, with the latest being the renewal of the band's relationship with Allan Withington who will lead the band at this year's British Open.

Also, the band's educational outreach initiatives rely on time and funding, given/raised by band members, and is an integral part of Grimethorpe Colliery Band in the 21st century."