After ending their successful partnership with conductor Erik Janssen following the recent Dutch National Championships, Brass Band Schoonhoven has announced the appointment of Dr Robert Childs as their new Principal Conductor.

National lead

The Grimethorpe MD will lead the band at the newly revamped Dutch Open Championship in Drachten in June, as well as in their bid to regain the National title in Utrecht in November.

Resident Guy

Meanwhile, Guy Audenaert, the highly respected Belgian conductor and tuba player with Brass Band Willebroek will take on the role as resident conductor, with immediate effect.

He will lead the band in a number of performances this spring, including a television appearance with the Kyteman Orchestra in the Tivoli Vredenburg concert hall in Utrecht in March and the KNMO contest in Drachten in March.

Great connection

Brass Band Schoonhoven Chairman Leon Monteny told 4BR: “Recently we have had the pleasure of working with both Bob and Guy, and there is a great musical connection between them and the band.

As you can imagine, we are extremely pleased that they will be joining us for the coming years.”

Recently we have had the pleasure of working with both Bob and Guy, and there is a great musical connection between them and the bandBrass Band Schoonhoven Chairman Leon Monteny

Looking forward

Dr Childs added: “I have worked with Schoonhoven and Erik Janssen over the past few years and really enjoyed the experience, and I’m now looking forward to continuing my relationship with them on a more formal basis.

However, my involvement is limited to specific contest work, so I’m delighted the band has also linked up with Guy, who will be responsible for the day to day musical preparation and direction of the band.”