4BR has been informed that David Nesbitt has resigned from the conductor’s position at Stocksbridge.

Although the full band was not told until after their performance at Pontins, David had spoken to a number of the band’s committee in the weeks before.

Combination

"Through a combination of my playing commitments as a freelance tuba player and my business interests, it has become impossible to devote the time that a band like Stocksbridge deserves," Dave told 4BR.

"It has been a pleasure to conduct the band for the last two years and I will continue to work on their behalf in the pursuit of a sponsor. Like so many bands, it is common knowledge that Stocksbridge have struggled for players but it is heartening that the band has made a number of signings recently. My decision to step down is purely time related."

Through a combination of my playing commitments as a freelance tuba player and my business interests, it has become impossible to devote the time that a band like Stocksbridge deservesDavid Nesbitt

Victories

During his tenure the band they won the Yorkshire First Section Area and the Spring Festival Senior Trophy.

"I’d like to thank the entire band for their dedication and support over the last few years. I have made many great friends. I’d particularly like to thank Isobel Radford and Trevor Goodison, the management of the band at the time I joined for talking me into taking the conductors job in the first place! I will always be glad they did and I wish the band the very very best for the future."

Stocksbridge response

Edward Knowles from the band responded by publicly thanking David.

"We know that David's workload is immense and it's totally understandable that this has meant he can't continue with the band.
David has brought absolute commitment to his role over the last couple of years, and his outstanding musical knowledge and experience has been invaluable. We have learnt a vast amount from the time David has been with us, and we look forward to building on this in the future."

Good friend

He added: "In addition to his musical work with the band, David has also been actively pursuing sponsorship, and we are very grateful that he has offered to continue to try to secure the financial stability that would make such a difference to the band's future and role within the community.

"David has become a good friend of Stocksbridge Band and many of the players in it. We wish him the very best in his future and thank him for everything he's done for the band."