The brass band community on Norway and across the world has joined in sending its condolences to the family of Monica Vabø Reigstad, a central figure for many years with Eikanger-Bjørsvik, who passed away this week following a period of illness.

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Monica played with the band from 1992 to 2013, becoming both an immensely popular figure as well as a critically acclaimed performer and an integral part of the band's many successes and forward-thinking musical outlook.

Her dedication to the band and especially its youth development initiatives will ensure her legacy will be felt for generations to come. She was a major driving force behind projects such as EB 2000 and its motivational weekends, Holiday Game, EB Junior, seminars for school corps, instrumental days, school concerts and much, much more.

Passion

The band stated: "Monica also excelled through practical work, something that was clearly seen when Eikanger-Bjørsvik took over what is now Musikkhuset in Knarvik.

Not only that but she also was a passionate archivist — ensuing the past as well as the present and future were invested in."

Force for good

They added: "Monica was a formidable force for good: Her care for children and young people as well as her fellow adult musicians was immense. Nobody was left untouched by her passion, love, care and professionalism.

We have all become the poorer for her loss. Everyone associated with Eikanger-Bjørsvik offers heartfelt thanks for everything she was and everything she gave and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time."