After a highly successful seven year period as President of the British Trombone Society, Brett Baker handed over the high profile leadership reins to Carol Jarvis at the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Increased focus

During his tenure, Brett has spearheaded a rejuvenation in the Society’s work, including an increased focus on input from the brass band genre.

The first National event since 2006 took place in Cardiff this year, whilst the Black Dyke trombonist initiated several innovative schemes to increase grass roots participation and performance, including an instrument loan project in collaboration with Warwick Music.

Positives

Brett told 4BR: "Over the past seven years I’ve seen many positive changes to the Society.

Bob Hughes was instrumental in bringing many different genres, players and educationalists together and putting on an array of exciting events, and I’ve strived to carry on his good work.

I also wanted to support and encourage participation from young players and also to have specific events for younger players, such as those held in Leeds, Beverley and South Wales."

New direction

He added: "I think it is now time for a new direction and so I’m happy that Carol is taking over. I feel proud to have started the BTS Instrument Loan Scheme and organising the society’s first ever CD ‘Fanfare’, which will continue to raise money to buy new trombones for beginners in schools.

The growing success of the BTS magazine, I know is an area dear to Carol’s heart. I wish the BTS every success in its new era and will continue to support it by being involved with events whenever I can."

I feel proud to have started the BTS Instrument Loan Scheme and organising the society’s first ever CD ‘Fanfare’, which will continue to raise money to buy new trombones for beginners in schoolsBrett Baker

New additions

Other new additions to the British Trombone Society Executive Board include Matt Gee and Mark Templeton, whilst the new Vice President to the Society is Christian Jones, bass trombonist with Opera North.

Chris Sowerby has been appointed the new membership manager, taking over from Lisa Penn.