4BR has been informed that Adam Cooke is to step down as Musical Director of the GUS Band following his appointment as Resident Conductor of Stavanger Band.

In a joint press release it was confirmed he will take up his new post as after moving to Norway later in the year.

After five successful years with the Midlanders, Adam will make his final appearance with GUS at the 2018 Brass in Concert Championships, where he made his contesting debut with them back in 2013.

Best wishes

Band Chairman David Elliot-Smith told 4BR: "We're very sorry to be losing Adam, as he's an incredible musical talent with drive and energy. However, we say farewell with all best wishes for his future in Norway with one of Europe's leading bands. Adam leaves GUS in great shape and with a promising future."

During his tenure the partnership has enjoyed considerable success, claiming five successive Midland Area titles, a feat never before achieved in the history of the event. He also led the band to a brace of All England International Masters titles as well as the Butlins Mineworkers Championship.

Although the band narrowly missed out on regaining a British Open return after losing its place in 2014, they did gain a top-six finish at Brass in Concert and was twice runner-up at Butlins. In addition they also gained a respected reputation for innovative concert performances and high quality recordings.

Arrival

Meanwhile, Stavanger confirmed his impending arrival by stating: "We are very pleased that Adam Cooke will become our new Resident Conductor.

For the last two years we have been actively seeking a permanent high-class conductor for this role, with Adam travelling from London for weekly rehearsals over the last eighteen months."

Band Chairman Ulf Rosenberg added: "As Adam and his partner's career now move to Stavanger, it allows us to formally offer him the position. Adam will now be working alongside Musical Director Allan Withington and our management team to develop the band further.

Adam has already played an important part in Stavanger being placed third at this year's European Championships, and we are looking forward to see him dedicate his expertise and experience even more to the band's development."

It's been a huge privilege for me to lead GUS for the past five years. In that time I hope we've managed to contribute positively in a small way to the success story of the GUS name both on the contest and concert stageAdam Cooke

Huge privilege

Talking about his time with GUS, Adam told 4BR: "It's been a huge privilege for me to lead GUS for the past five years.

In that time I hope we've managed to contribute positively in a small way to the success story of the GUS name both on the contest and concert stage.

I sincerely thank everyone who has been involved at GUS since 2013, and I wish everyone involved the very best for the future. It is the right time for me to move on and I'm looking forward to further developing my partnership with Stavanger as well as exploring new musical opportunities in Norway and elsewhere."

Exciting prospect

He added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Stavanger and Allan Withington over the past year or so. They are at the forefront of innovation and performance in brass banding, so to be able to commit more fully to being part of the team is an exciting prospect."

It was confirmed that Adam will work closely with Allan in the upcoming preparations for the Siddis Brass entertainment contest in November and the Norwegian National Championships in February next year.