Austin Davies, Chairman, of the current European and Brass in Concert Champions, Cory, has announced that David Childs has been chosen as their 'Player of the Year'.

Special award

Austin told 4BR: "This is a special award because it’s chosen by the players of the band and not the committee or conductor. We all know that David is a terrific player but he also works tirelessly for Cory in many other areas."

Fantastic year

A proud MD, Bob Childs added: "We don't have an assistant conductor at Cory but if we did it would be David. I bounce lots of ideas off him and he's conducted some rehearsals for me when I've been away. I'm delighted he's been voted ‘Player of the Year’, though to be honest with the fantastic year we've had, I think all the members of the band are ‘Players of the Year’!"

I know it’s a cliché to say it means a lot to me, but receiving something which has been voted for by the people I play alongside is a genuine honour and something for which I am very gratefulDavid Childs

Clear choice

Austin further added; "In addition to his playing, some of the things I feel may have made David a clear choice by his colleagues in the band is the connection he made with Karl Jenkins which led to us making a CD for EMI.

"David has also been of great assistance in securing various sponsors for the band this year, and it was David who took the initiative to book Wycliffe Gordon and St David's Hall to mark Cory's 125th Anniversary with a Gala Concert next year, so as you can see he does more than just play in the band!”

Proud

David responded to the honour by telling 4BR: "I'm extremely proud to be given this award and will cherish it above all others. I know it’s a cliché to say it means a lot to me, but receiving something which has been voted for by the people I play alongside is a genuine honour and something for which I am very grateful."

He added: "There are so many wonderful players and personalities in the band who could have easily been given this award, but having received it myself I am extremely flattered and would like to thank all my friends in the band."

Number 1

On a night when the Cory Band were awarded the World of Brass/4BR Rankings Trophy as the 2008 number 1 ranked band, Bob concluded by saying, "Above all else David is a super player and his contribution as such is his greatest asset. David's playing has helped the band achieve the European Championships, the Brass In Concert Championships, and has also contributed in no small part to securing the No1 spot in the World Rankings."