4BR has been informed that Gareth Westwood has unfortunately resigned his position as 2nd trombone of Fodens due to increased work and conducting commitments.

Workload

Speaking about his resignation Gareth told 4BR: "Fodens has been my life for four years now and I am terribly disappointed at having to make this decision. Apart from my ever increasing workload as a teacher, I am in the middle of a very busy period of conducting at the moment".

Fodens is made up of some genuinely wonderful individuals and I will miss playing with such a great bandGareth Westwood

Harrogate

Gareth added: "I am taking my band, the Eagley band to the National Finals in September and aside from this, am taking on more and more commitments of this nature. Also taking up a considerable amount of time will be a Masters Degree in Composition at the University of Salford which I am undertaking in September.

Great memories

"The band has given me some of my greatest memories and has helped me forge invaluable friendships. Fodens is made up of some genuinely wonderful individuals and I will miss playing with such a great band. I will of course be keeping in touch with the band and hope our paths will cross again sometime again."

All the best

Fodens Mark Wilkinson commented to 4BR: "We would like to thank Gareth for his 4 years with the band and wish him all the best with his future commitments".

Replacement

Gareth's replacement will be Tom Berry (formerly of Wingates and solo trombone with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and National Youth Orchestra) who will join Fodens on 2nd trombone after the British Open.