*
banner

Nystad takes one step down from Sandefjord lead

One of Norwegian banding's most respected cornet players has decided to relinquish his role as principal cornet of Sandefjord Brass Symposium after 38 years.

HCN
  Hans Christian Nystad has played principal cornet for 38 years

One of Norwegian banding's most respected cornet players is stepping down from the principal cornet role at Sandefjord Brass Symposium after 38 years of outstanding service.

Founder member

Hans Christian Nystad was a founder member of the band in 1987, and has held the role ever since — playing his part in the successes of the band with his noted tonal qualities, musical understanding and technical brilliance.

During his tenure he has helped the band to a brace of Norwegian Championship Elite level titles, as well as victories in the First and Second Divisions.

Wins have also come at the Siddis Entertainment Championship and Grenland Festival, whilst he proudly appeared with the band in representing Norway at two European Championships.

Most respected

Band spokesperson Roger Naess told 4BR: "Hans Christian or HCN as he is known is not only one of the most respected brass band musicians in Norway but also one of the most popular.

His commitment to Sandefjord has been unbreakable — and one that he has shared with his busy job in education. He is now the Principal for a big new project in Sandefjord, starting up in 2026 with 600 pupils, so he has reluctantly felt that he must step down."

New principal

He added: "We are so grateful to him for his musicianship and friendship — and he can now take things a little easier by sitting as 'bumper-up' to our new principal cornet Christopher Westgard Roedvang who will make his debut in the end chair at the Norwegian National Championships in Bergen in February.

As HCN has said — the seat is in very good hands for the future."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Spring Festival

Rehearsal slots available for Spring Festival

April 2 • Blackpool Salvation Army has a trio of rehearsal slots available for bands to fill on the Spring Festival contest day.


Youth Championships

2026 Youth Championships to head to Birmingham

April 2 • Brass Bands England confirm that the 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain will be held in Birmingham.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 7 & 8

April 2 • Joanne Behan catches up with more inspirational female musicians for her podcast series- with Coco Chan and Lauren Chinn from Flowers Band and the players from Brazen Brass.


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd