One of Norwegian banding's most respected cornet players is stepping down from the principal cornet role at Sandefjord Brass Symposium after 38 years of outstanding service.

Founder member

Hans Christian Nystad was a founder member of the band in 1987, and has held the role ever since — playing his part in the successes of the band with his noted tonal qualities, musical understanding and technical brilliance.

During his tenure he has helped the band to a brace of Norwegian Championship Elite level titles, as well as victories in the First and Second Divisions.

Wins have also come at the Siddis Entertainment Championship and Grenland Festival, whilst he proudly appeared with the band in representing Norway at two European Championships.

Most respected

Band spokesperson Roger Naess told 4BR: "Hans Christian or HCN as he is known is not only one of the most respected brass band musicians in Norway but also one of the most popular.

His commitment to Sandefjord has been unbreakable — and one that he has shared with his busy job in education. He is now the Principal for a big new project in Sandefjord, starting up in 2026 with 600 pupils, so he has reluctantly felt that he must step down."

New principal

He added: "We are so grateful to him for his musicianship and friendship — and he can now take things a little easier by sitting as 'bumper-up' to our new principal cornet Christopher Westgard Roedvang who will make his debut in the end chair at the Norwegian National Championships in Bergen in February.

As HCN has said — the seat is in very good hands for the future."