Comings and goings at EYMS
East Yorkshire Motor Services Band and its new musical director Stig Maersk are set to make history later this year at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The 32-year-old Copenhagen-born MD will in October become the first Dane to conduct at the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
He will lead the Hull-based band at the annual Kensington showpiece after achieving the runners-up position at the North of England qualifying contest at the Gala Theatre in Durham. Two EYMS principal players were also among the awards, Neil Johnson winning the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Euphonium Trophy and Kevin Donaldson taking the Colin Frater Memorial Soprano Trophy.
The Maurice Metcalfe trophy was given by the EYMS Band to the area committee in recognition of the important part Maurice played in the development of the band, particularly in its early years. Neil, who also won the trophy in 2011 told BBW: “I’m really proud to have been awarded the Maurice Metcalfe Memorial Trophy for best euphonium. Maurice was one of the nicest fellas you could ever wish to meet, a real gentleman. He made me feel so welcome when I joined the band back in 2006, and I'm delighted that I can bring his trophy back home to Hull where it belongs.”
Having got off to a great start with EYMS, Stig who succeeded Alan Morrison as Musical Director, will have an important appointment to make in coming weeks, as the band’s principal cornet, Neil Day announced his retirement from playing following the band’s appearance at the North of England Area Contest. It brings to an end his third spell with the band and allows Neil to spend more time with his family and focus on a demanding full-time job.
Neil told BBW: “I have been grappling with indecision and doubts about bringing my playing career to an end for quite some time, but following 42 years of playing, creating some wonderful memories along the way, I feel now is the right time.” Neil was however keen to stress that he believes the band has every reason to be optimistic following the arrival of new musical director Stig Maersk, and continued: “With Stig’s arrival I have every reason to be positive about the future for EYMS under his direction. Whoever takes over the principal cornet chair will be joining a very dedicated and talented bunch of musicians, a great band, fantastic people and a true professional in their new MD.”
Neil’s departure creates an immediate opportunity for an ambitious cornet player as the band looks forward to appearing not only at the Royal Albert Hall later in the year but also to competing in the Grand Shield at Blackpool next month on Edward Gregson’s fine work Of Distant Memories.
EYMS Band chairman Tony Newiss said: “Neil is a top player who has given fantastic service to the band over many years and has enjoyed some fine successes with us both on the contest and concert platforms. We all wish him well for the future. However, his departure does create a great chance for someone of the right calibre to lead a talented cornet section in a fully-committed band with real ambitions for the future.”
Tony can be contacted on 07710 667843 or via the band’s website
Photo: Stig Maersk - EYMS Band's new Musical Director
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