Ware Brass has announced that their 11 year musical partnership with MD Phillip Littlemore is to come to an end.

A concert performance at Ware Priory early next month will be the last time that he will take the helm with the Hertfordshire outfit, as he and his family will be moving to the Isle of Wight during the Summer, where a 220-mile round trip, not to mention the two ferry crossings, would make rehearsals an impossibility.

Established

Phillip took on the role in 2006, embarking on a path that has seen growing artistic and contest success, with the band now firmly established as one of the London & Southern Counties strongest First Section outfits.

Commenting on his decision, Phillip said: "We have done so many great things together. It is going to be very difficult to say goodbye to everyone involved, including the large number of friends and supporters outside of the band itself.

I haven't counted everything up, but I have probably taken the best part of 1,000 rehearsals and conducted something like 250 concerts. I'm deeply sad to be leaving, and I look forward to hearing great things form them in the future."

Phillip has been an absolute integral part of Ware Brass during his time as Musical Director. He has done so much more than his role as MD requires, including taking responsibility for our marketing and publicityWare Brass

Integral part

In response, Lisa King, Band Chairman, said: "Phillip has been an absolute integral part of Ware Brass during his time as Musical Director.

He has done so much more than his role as MD requires, including taking responsibility for our marketing and publicity.

Ware Brass is sorry to see Phillip leave. We would like to wish Phillip and his family all the best for their future and hope that he will be inviting us out there for a band tour!"