It is with some degree of sadness that Sovereign Brass announce the end of Alan Gifford's tenure as Musical Director of the Band. We thank him for everything he's done and wish him all the best as he moves to take up a new job in Kent.
Since accepting the role in September 2022 Alan has led the band in one of its most exciting and successful periods, culminating in our return to the Championship Section for 2024. Highlights include winning the Midlands Area (First Section) in 2023 and then going on to become Runners-Up at the National Finals, winning the Wychavon title (First Section) in 2023, winning the inaugural ConsTest competition in 2023 and defending our title in 2024.
Alan has been pivotal in generating new activities and relationships for Sovereign Brass, including the conception of the new and widely acclaimed Sovereign Series concerts and the appointment of the band's Composer in Association, Fendall Hill. Alan has championed Fendall's arrangements and compositions, including in 2023 on the band's first commercial CD in 22 years, Festive Gold.
Alan commented:
After the completion of my Masters Degree at Birmingham Conservatoire I was offered a role as Area Manager for Dover, Kent, and Thanet within the Kent Music Service. I now realise that the travelling time of 4 hours each way, and risk to journeys that the M25 brings, makes the MD role untenable. I'd like to massively thank the band for all their hard work, support, and belief in me over the last two years, and especially the support and guidance from senior players who have spoken to me daily, encouraging and supporting the decisions I've made. It's been an incredibly satisfying time for me personally, one I'm sad to be drawing to a close.
Phil Green, Chair of Sovereign Brass, says:
Our heartfelt thanks go to Alan for the amazing journey he's taken us on over the last two years. We're saddened that our current relationship with him is ending, though it won't be the last time we work together as we're planning to collaborate on specific projects for Alan to lead as an Associate to the band.
Sovereign Brass also wish to place on record our thanks to Trevor Jones, who has been working with, and conducting the band in Alan's absence, and will continue to do so until an announcement regarding Alan's replacement is made.
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