The six year musical partnership between Andrew Snell and Darebin City Brass- Preston Band has come to end.

The band announced that he is to embark on a new musical chapter in his life in New Zealand where he will become the Manager of the Performing Arts at the Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch.

Most successful

Since his appointment in 2014 the band has gone on to enjoy the most successful contesting period in its 90 year history, winning the Victorian State Brass Band Championship on four occasions as well as the Latrobe Valley and Boroondara Eisteddfod titles — the latter on his last contest appearance with the band earlier this month.

The band also topped the own-choice section of the 2017 and 2019 Australian National Championships and claimed at top-six place finish at the 2018 New Zealand Championships.

Away from the contesting stage, he was instrumental in developing an exciting and varied calendar of performance opportunities for his band, including appearances at the prestigious Port Fairy Music Festival and Bright Autumn Festival as well as producing two critically acclaimed recordings.

Wonderful

He told 4BR: "It's been a wonderful few years with many memorable highlights, culminating in an extraordinary performance of 'Hypercube' at the National Championships in Brisbane. The work ethic of the band has been first class, the support of the committee and senior players even better, but the genuine friendships will be the thing I miss most."

In response Band President Chris Lee said: "Andrew's influence was unlike anything else the band has experienced. He helped us bring excitement and passion to the music we played.

The work ethic of the band has been first class, the support of the committee and senior players even better, but the genuine friendships will be the thing I miss mostAndrew Snell

Perfect balance

Performing on stage with Andrew was one hell of an experience; the force, energy and sonic colour was incredible. He had the perfect balance of all things that made for a great top flight MD. Andrew is a fine man, musician, conductor and friend and we will miss him very much.

We offer Andrew and his family our sincere gratitude for the past 6 years, and extend to them our best wishes for the next chapter of their lives in New Zealand."

Following Andrew's final contest engagement the band was able to publicly thank him and his family at a farewell dinner at the Glenferrie Hotel in Hawthorn.

Andrew and his wife Lindsay were presented with a beautiful print of the Paris landmark 'La Grande Arch' — part of the inspiration for the composition of 'Hypercube.'