The long term association between MD Philip Harper and the PolySteel Band has come to an end.

Amicable

In an announcement made by the band it states that the parting has been amicable and that they have thanked Philip for his contribution to the band success over the last few years.

Philip Harper’s tenure had seen the band enhance its concert and contest reputation, although success at the major championships of the British Open and National Finals were never secured.

Success

It was on the concert and entertainment contest stage that the band did however enjoy extensive success, claiming the Yeovil title in 2003 and 2004 and again in 2007 and 2008. They claimed two 6th places in four appearances at Brass in Concert.

They also took the Butlins Mineworkers Championship in 2006 and claimed their place back at the British Open by winning the 2007 Grand Shield. The band also won the West Of England Area contest under his command in 2007 and in the same year came 3rd at the English National Championships.

Philip's stunning arrangements and compositions enabled the band to become one of the best entertainments bands in the UKPolySteel Band

Luck

They did not however enjoy the best of luck at the Nationals or British Open, with a best of 17th place last year at Symphony Hall in the two appearances they made with him at the helm.

At the Royal Albert Hall, a best of 9th in 2001 was followed by 16th in 2003 and 11th last year.

Productive run

Their most productive run of test piece success at a major contest undoubtedly came at the Masters where from 2001 to 2006 they claimed one runner up spot plus three fifth places and one sixth. In the last two years however they had come 13th and 14th.

Failure

2008 has not been as successful as many had predicted however, and despite the early success at Yeovil, the failure to qualify for London was harshly felt, whilst the Masters and English Nationals produced two midfield finishes.

Cut out

There is no news to who will be taking over at the band at present, but with time pressing before the British Open there should not be a shortage of takers.

The MD will have their work cut out however to maintain their tenure at Symphony Hall for 2009 with a possible top 10 place at least needed for survival.

Announcement

The announcement was made as follows:

"The PolySteel Band have announced with regret that it has amicably parted company with its musical director, Philip Harper.

Best

"The partnership of Philip Harper and the PolySteel Band has brought excitement to the brass band stage for over seven years. Philip's stunning arrangements and compositions enabled the band to become one of the best entertainments bands in the UK. Visual and innovative programmes were developed that produced many outstanding performances.

Under Philip's guidance the band have won the Butlins Mineworkers Championship, Yeovil Entertainments Contest, the West of England Area, the Grand Shield and had top three finishes at the All England Masters and the English Nationals."

Fantastic

A spokesman for PolySteel Band stated: "The band have had a fantastic seven years under Philip's guidance and would like to thank him for all his hard work and hope to work with him again in the future."