4BR has been informed that the YBS Concert Band has made the decision to withdraw from the Yorkshire Regional Contest.

Conductor loss

Following a successful year and returning to the First Section at the first attempt, the band lost it's conductor following the Lower Section National Finals.

Although the band had secured the services of a conductor for the upcoming contest, the difficulties in signing players has proved impossible and so the decision was taken.

Healthy position

Despite not attending the contest the band finds itself in a healthy position both financially and with personnel, having a nucleus of 20 committed players. However due to the general player shortage, filling the remaining empty chairs was too difficult.

Despite this setback everyone involved with band is looking forward to the coming year and feels confident of a long and bright futureNicola Storey

New name

Nicola Storey told 4BR: "Since the sponsorship deal with Yorkshire Building Society ended over two years ago, the band has worked hard to stay afloat and now feels it is important to establish its own identity by returning to it's roots. For this reason it is looking forward to relaunching under a new name later in the year, as a self financing band."

Nicola added: "Despite this setback everyone involved with band is looking forward to the coming year and feels confident of a long and bright future."