Adam Cooke to step down from the GUS Band
Adam Cooke is to step down as Musical Director of the GUS band following his appointment as resident conductor of Stavanger Brass Band, which will see him relocate from London to Norway later this year.
After a successful five-year tenure with GUS, Adam will make his final appearance with the band at the 2018 Brass in Concert Championships where he made his contesting debut with them back in 2013.
Since taking over as Musical Director, Adam and the band have enjoyed unrivalled success in the midlands remaining undefeated for 5 straight appearances at the Midlands Area Championships, a feat never before achieved in the history of the contest. Other successes include two All England International Masters titles, two 2nds and a 1st at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships and a 4th place at the 2015 Brass in Concert Contest.
In addition to this, the band has had numerous high profile concerts and recordings, which have made this a fruitful partnership.
Talking about his time with GUS, Adam said, “It’s been a huge privilege for me to lead the GUS band for the past five years. In that time, I hope we’ve managed to contribute positively in a small way to the success story of the GUS name both on the contest and concert stage. I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved at GUS since 2013, and I wish everyone involved with the band the very best for the future. It’s the right time now, however, for me to move on and I’m greatly looking forward to further developing my partnership with Stavanger Brass Band as well as exploring new musical opportunities in Norway and elsewhere.”
Band Chairman David Elliot-Smith commented, "We are very sorry to be losing Adam, as he is an incredible musical talent with drive and energy. However, we say farewell with all best wishes for his future in Norway with one of Europe's leading bands. Adam leaves the band in great shape and with a promising future.”
