Brass Band Schoonhoven's recent Dutch National Championship victory in Utrecht saw the final appearance of their star euphonium player Robbert Vos.

After more than 15 years as a player and conductor, he announced that he would be stepping down to be able to spend more time with his young family.

National high

The partnership certainly ended on a high, with Robbert bowing out with seven National Championship successes, as well as being an integral part of the band's acclaimed performances at the European Championships and Brass in Concert.

In addition, he revealed to 4BR that he believes he has played well over 30 major contest test pieces as well as performing 20 plus major solos in competitions, concerts and on recordings.

Priorities

Jokingly he added that he also thought that he had spent over 100,000 hours in rehearsals and ten times that amount practicing — although he said he would love to be able to do it all over again.

"Of course, but as priorities have changed, I've made the decision to step back to create more time to spend with my family and especially my little girl Celeste.

I don't want to miss out on anything with them now and playing with a band of the world class standard of Schoonhoven means that would be impossible."

He added: "I can't be more grateful to have been able to play in and conduct a band like them. The friendships made will last forever. They are incredible musicians and wonderful friends and I have been so fortunate to have enjoyed so many memorable musical moments with them — all the way to that final title win in Utrecht."

I can't be more grateful to have been able to play in and conduct a band like them. The friendships made will last foreverRobbert Vos

More to do

Robbert revealed that he will carry on playing, although it will be on the basis that supports his busy professional career.

He concluded: "There are still things I wish to do as a player, but now in a different way. As for Schoonhoven — I owe them so much and thank everyone associated with the band for what they have done for me.

I'll now be their keenest supporter and hope to be able to cheer even more success for them in the years to come."