4BR has been informed of the departure due to increasing work commitments of euphonium star David Childs from the International Brass Band Summer School.

Appointment

David initially joined the staff of the IBBSS at the invitation of the late Alan Lewis in 2000.

His appointment at that time made him the youngest tutor amongst a staff which included the legendary Jim Shepherd, former Black Dyke solo horn Kevin Wadsworth, and other stars such as Ian Porthouse, Steve Sykes and Nick Hudson, all ably led by conductor Frank Renton.

Inspirational

David told 4BR: "Over the last 13 years there have been a lot of changes, but throughout I've had the pleasure of working alongside a top class tutorial staff led by inspirational conductors including Frank Renton, Richard Evans, Nick Childs and of course my father Robert.

It has also been a pleasure to meet so many delegates from around the world who I now consider my friends."

Busy

However, as the longest serving member of the current IBBSS staff, David decided it was the right time to relinquish his position as an IBBSS tutor following this year's course.

"My schedule during the summer months has grown increasingly busy in recent times and this year I felt I did a little too much," he said.

"The IBBSS is in great shape with a record number of euphonium and baritone delegates so 2013 seemed as good a time as any to leave allowing me the opportunity to give more focus to future projects I’d like to see flourish in this country and abroad.

Naturally I wish the IBBSS all the best for the future."

The IBBSS is in great shape with a record number of euphonium and baritone delegates so 2013 seemed as good a time as any to leave allowing me the opportunity to give more focus to future projectsDavid Childs

Framlingham

Although he won't be at next year's IBBSS in Swansea, euphonium and baritone players from around the world will still have the opportunity to study with David on a UK Brass Band Summer School, as he'll be continuing his duties as a specialist tutor on the Framlingham based course led by Director Philip Biggs and MD Richard Evans.

"I'm very excited about the 2014 Brass Band Summer School in Framlingham.

Next year we celebrate our 30th anniversary which will see our regular tutorial staff of Richard Evans, Owen Farr, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Stuart Lindgard, Brian Taylor, Steve Sykes and Nick Hudson augmented with special guests including London Symphony Orchestra principals Philip Cobb and Dudley Bright, Salvation Army star David Daws, and our course President Bramwell Tovey. It should be a fun week!"

More information

For more information on the Brass Band Summer School (August 11th-16th 2014) email Philip Biggs: philipbiggs@bandstand.demon.co.uk

or visit: www.brassbandsummerschool.com