Christopher Thomas to depart Cory
Long-serving principal trombonist, Christopher Thomas, will be bidding the European champions farewell this summer.
Christopher joined Cory in 2000, and was part of the famous ‘Double’ winning line-up during his first year. He has remained with the band for the last sixteen years, winning five British Open Championships (’00, ‘02, ‘07, ‘09, ’11) five European Championships (’08, ’09, ‘10’, ’13, ’16), three National Championships (’00, ’13, ’15), and a World Championship (’09).
During his distinguished career with the band he has also been an integral soloist having given performances of Gareth Wood’s Concerto for Trombone, Derek Bourgeois’s Trombone Concerto, recorded his own solo album - The Noble Trombone, and appeared as guest soloist with many other ensembles throughout the world, including Canada’s professional Hannaford Street Silver Band.
Christopher’s decision to leave Cory follows his appointment to a new teaching post, and speaking of his departure he remarked: “It’s been an honour to occupy the principal trombone seat at Cory during an incredibly exciting and satisfying period in the band’s history. Cory has been a huge part of my life and I will miss them all.”
Speaking on behalf of Cory, Musical Director Philip Harper commented: “It’s difficult to know where to begin when paying tribute to Chris. He has served the band with distinction over many years, and history will undoubtedly prove him to be a genuine legend of Cory Band. We are all very sorry Chris will be leaving. He goes with our warm wishes, and we hope he will be back one day.”
For twelve years of his tenure with the World’s number 1 ranked band, Christopher Thomas played under Robert Childs, who in his book, Cory, Cory, Hallelujah! singles out the star soloist as being one of the outstanding trombonists of his generation, adding: “I’m sure if he hadn’t dedicated his life to brass bands, and over a decade to Cory, he could quite easily be sat in the Principal trombonist’s chair at one of the UK’s leading professional orchestras.”
Christopher is clearly a highly respected trombonist, and has undoubtedly been a significant part of Cory’s success during the last sixteen years. He will remain with the band until the end of July this year, at which time the brass band world will be waiting in anticipation to see where the career of one of the movement’s finest trombone players will take him next.
Photo: Cory's prize-winning trombone section - Christopher Thomas (centre), Gareth Robinson (right), Andrew Williams (left). Courtesy of Ian Clowes (Goldy Solutions)
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