Stephen Howard has informed 4BR that he resigned from the position as MD with the Clevedon Band.

Howard told 4BR: "I accepted an invitation to conduct Clevedon Brass Band in 2000. We struggled with membership and commitment in the same way as other bands in the area, until we were left with only 10 regular members so we converted to a 10 versatile brass group in 2003.

"We continued to grow in confidence and stature playing an electic mix of music which went down well with our audiences.

The time and place to play the wrong rhythms, wrong notes, out of tune and with poor intonation is in the rehearsal room, not on a bandstand on a "rehearsed" programmeStephen Howard

Report

"We had some key players leave (one to work abroad, another to go to university) and some experienced players joining. An extract from the report I delivered to the 2007 AGM, reporting on the 2006 year, will be self explanatory:

"Lack of concentration continues to plague performances and ruins what would otherwise be an occasion to remember. Specifically, forgetting which key we're in, forgetting repeats, not opening up a double page piece, losing music, losing mutes and stands etc. In addition people crying off concerts at the last minute, when already having committed themselves, is an issue."

No improvement

Stephen added: "I asked for an improvement in these areas, but instead they continued and, if anything, got worse. The time and place to play the wrong rhythms, wrong notes, out of tune and with poor intonation is in the rehearsal room, not on a bandstand on a "rehearsed" programme. I therefore announced my intention to step down as MD in June."

Geraint Barnes is due to take up the position when the band resumes rehearsals on 9th September.