The Jackfield Band has announced that Chris Lewis has decided to step down as the Musical Director.

Chris, originally from Derbyshire, joined the band in 1993 as a cornet player. He was soon promoted to Principal Cornet and held this position until being appointed as the band’s Musical Director in 1997.

Success

Over the 11 years that Chris has been Musical Director the band has successfully gained promotion to the Championship section three times, have been 1st Section National finalists and also WMMBA Champions.

On the concert stage Chris forged a good reputation for both standard of performance and imaginative programming, both in the local area and beyond.

When I first took up the baton in 1997 I had not really done any conducting before, so it has been a great learning and character-building experience for meChris Lewis

Partnership

In his reign as MD he has worked alongside many other conductors, most recently with John Maines; a partnership that has proved very beneficial for the band.

In his resignation Chris commented to 4BR: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the band for all their support. When I first turned up with my cornet in 1993 I had no real intention of joining; I thought I was simply helping out at a concert!"

Welcome

He added: "But I was made to feel very welcome and consequently, have stayed for 15 years. When I first took up the baton in 1997 I had not really done any conducting before, so it has been a great learning and character-building experience for me.

"It has also been great fun and provided me with many happy memories and enduring friendships. I wish the band lots of success in the future and although I will no longer be a member, I hope not to be a stranger."

Thanks

Band Chairman, Paul France, told 4BR: "On behalf of the band and the committee I would like to publicly thank Chris for all the hard work he has put in over the years. His ability, enthusiasm and hard work have been the driving force during the band’s most successful period in its 100 plus years of existence, he will be sorely missed. The band wish Chris, and his family, all the very best for the future."

Chris’ last job with the band will be playing at the Pontins Championships.