4BR has been informed that the musical partnership between David Johnson and Aldbourne Band has come to an end after eight successful years.

During that period the band from Wiltshire claimed the West of England Regional First Section, Senior Trophy and National Championship titles in 2011, as well as gaining promotion to the Championship Section.

Success

There they secured promotion to the Grand Shield, narrowly missing out on qualification to the British Open, and qualifying for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2016 where they ended a highly creditable ninth.

In 2017 they failed to qualify for London and came ninth at the Grand Shield. The last contest performance together was their runner-up finish at the SWBBA Contest in November.

Sadness

David told 4BR: "It's with regret and sadness that I have been forced to part company with Aldbourne with immediate effect.

After a very productive association lasting over eight years, overseeing a rise from First to the Championship Section and qualifying for the National Finals, it has become impossible to work with the new committee leadership put in place six months ago."

It's become apparent that their expectations, standards and vision are very much at odds with my own and I felt that my musical integrity was increasingly compromisedDavid Johnson

At odds

He added: "It's become apparent that their expectations, standards and vision are very much at odds with my own and I felt that my musical integrity was increasingly compromised.

Looking forward, having recently retired from the Royal Marines Band Service after 27 years, I am excited to have the opportunity to explore some exciting and new musical projects in 2018."