Due to increasing work commitments Redbridge Brass has announced that MD Jeremy Wise will be taking a step back from his contesting duties with the band.

Sad decision

Combining his busy surveying practice in the Midlands and a 200 mile round trip to band is no longer as easy to manage as they once were, as Jeremy told 4BR:

"This is a very sad decision for me to take and one that I have been pondering over for ages. I don’t really want to leave – I just have no other option due to the conflicting demands on my time. Perhaps I should buy a helicopter!"

After nearly six years at the helm Jeremy feels that he can no longer dedicate the time necessary on a week to week basis and especially the intense preparation for contests.

Successful

Under his tenure Redbridge has enjoyed the most successful contest period in its history, including a trio of London Area victories and the 2009 Butlins Mineworkers title, as well as critically acclaimed performances at Brass in Concert and near miss qualifications to the British Open at the Grand Shield.

Imaginative concert productions have also included a very well received recording for Listen to the Band of ‘A Night at the Opera’.

This is a very sad decision for me to take and one that I have been pondering over for ages. I don’t really want to leave – I just have no other option due to the conflicting demands on my timeJeremy Wise

Excellent

A band spokesperson added: "We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Jeremy and we are delighted that he has agreed to accept the newly created role of ‘Principal Guest Conductor’.

We'll be welcoming him back for one-off concerts such as our ‘Living Legends series later this year."

Thanks

They concluded: "The band would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeremy for his guidance, enthusiasm and dedication over the last few years and look forward to working with him on specific concert projects in the future."

Appointment

No announcement a new MD has yet been made, with interested candidates asked to contact the band through the classified section of 4BR.