Major changes at the top at Brass in Concert

There are major changes to the organisational set-up of the Brass in Concert Championship

The Brass in Concert Festival has announced major organisational changes following its recent Annual General Meeting.

David Kinross, the former President of Whitburn Band has become the new Interim Chairman, succeeding Chairman, John Woods.

In addition, Nigel Stevens, the Chairman of London & Southern Counties Area champion Friary Band has joined the BiC Board to take on what is described as 'the lead on all financial and commercial matters'.

Process questioned

However, 4BR understands that the nature of the process concerning John Woods leaving the organisation after more than a decade of involvement in the festival, the last two as Chairman, but also as a long standing trustee, is currently being questioned.

4BR contacted John Woods for comment on the matter, who stated: "I do not wish to make direct comment on the specifics of these matters at present but wish to confirm that I did not voluntarily leave the BIC organisation either as Chairman or as a trustee.

The BIC Festival is an event that I have worked tirelessly for the years and in a manner I believe has been wholly professional."

It is understood that at the time of the AGM, the Brass in Concert Board was made up of five trustees, including John Woods alongside David Bennett, Paul Beere, David Coles and Hugh Stephenson.

The advisor to the BiC board is Kenneth Crookston, CEO of Brass Bands England and the Company Secretary is Jackie Beere.

It is also understood, but unconfirmed, that David Kinross and Nigel Stevens have now been appointed as trustees and that John Woods was removed from his role.

Press release

The press release issued by David Kinross on behalf of Brass in Concert organisers stated:

"The organisers of the Brass in Concert Festival, to be held at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of 16-17 November, have named David Kinross as their new Interim Chairman following their recent AGM. He succeeds John Woods, who leaves the organising team after more than a decade, the last two years of which were as Chairman.

The board would like to thank John Woods for his input over recent years. The banding community is seeing some positive winds of change at the moment and we want to play our part in continuing to drive improvements in innovation, learning and outside perception of brass bands.

We are very confident that the Brass in Concert board now has the attributes required to drive the event forward in a progressive and collegiate way."

He goes on to state: "Having been involved several times at the contest as both player and administrator, I'm keen to improve the experience of players and conductors when they perform at Sage Gateshead, which will ultimately benefit the many audience members who visit annually from all around the banding world, many of whom see Brass in Concert as one of the highlights of their year.

New appointment

Addressing the appointment of Nigel Stevens, he adds: "Also joining the board at this time is Friary Band Chairman, Nigel Stevens, who brings a wealth of banding and business experience to Brass in Concert and will take the lead on all financial and commercial matters.

Nigel and the existing members of the management team will continue to introduce new, robust processes to make sure that the event's future is secure for many years to come.

All in all, we feel the future is very bright for the leading brass entertainment contest and we look forward to presenting yet another successful event in November."

Having been involved several times at the contest as both player and administrator, I'm keen to improve the experience of players and conductors when they perform at Sage GatesheadInterim Chairman, David Kinross

2019 festival

The Brass in Concert Festival, presented in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman, will take place at Sage Gateshead over the weekend of 16-17 November, with the Saturday events including the second staging of the Youth Brass in Concert Championships, performances by elementary players, international visitors and a masterclass by tuba soloist, Ross Knight.

These will be followed by an evening gala concert featuring Brighouse & Rastrick Band and euphonium virtuoso, David Childs. The following day will see Cory Band defend its title at the 43rd Brass in Concert Championship against 11 other leading bands from the UK and the continent of Europe.