Viggo Bjørge, the highly respected administrator of Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag has become the new Chairperson of Oster Brass.

It strengthens a personal link to a band that was formed by former Eikanger players in 1981, inspired by their first Norwegian National Championships success the same year.

During its early years a joint board of representatives from both bands oversaw Oster's musical and administrative development — one that quickly saw themd go on to win the Second Division National Championships in 1982 and 1983. It has since enjoyed further National success in 1992, 1995 and 2018 as well as winning the Siddis First Division title in 2005.

50 year link

Viggo was elected as the new chairperson at Oster's Annual General Meeting, and told 4BR: "I've been a part of Eikanger-Bjørsvik's fantastic journey for almost 50 years, so I believe I can add some of that experience to Oster Brass in the year to come.

For more than 20 years Oster Brass has had its base in the same band room as Eikanger, and so many players have gone from one band to the other. My commitment to Eikanger remains, but I will try to create benefits for Oster Brass by enhancing our already excellent relationship."

Musical family

The MD of Oster Brass is Jane Westervik, a former principal cornet of Eikanger and a colleague of Viggo at Manger Folkehøgskule.

Although he will not return to playing (he performed with Oster in 1996) he told 4BR that he believes that the role can further enhance the relationships in the "musical family" that includes local school bands, Hordaland Ungdomsbrassband and Bjørsvik Brass.