December 2006 News Items
YBS Statement
YBS Band would like to make this short interim public statement.
All persons associated with the YBS Band are naturally disappointed with the departure of Prof. King as conductor, and with the subsequent but inevitable departure of some key players including Sheona and Stuart.
All of the players would like to express their best wishes to David, hoping that he has a fulfilling Christmas in Australia with his family and a successful and prosperous future. Similarly, we express our best wishes to Stuart and Sheona and we fully respect the decision that they have made.
Despite such losses, the mood within the band remains positive and new challenges are ahead. The band has already had applications from prospective players and conductors and the next couple of weeks will consist of much discussion and consultation between all interested parties.
Meanwhile the YBS Band remains committed to fulfilling all of its engagements for 2007/2008.
Steven Walker.
Band Manager
YBS Band.
King Departs YBS
On the eve of his 25th year in Britain, Australian-born David King has announced his resignation as principal conductor of YBS Band, with immediate effect. He departs the band after 13 years as it's artistic leader.
Professor King has enjoyed one of the longest sustained periods of any conductor with a top British band of latter years. His decision will undoubtedly have come as a shock to YBS Band and the wider brass band world heralding, as it does, closure on a musical partnership that has garnered global recognition for artistic and musical excellence.
Asked why he had taken the unexpected decision, Professor King commented: “For the past 13 years, YBS has been a major part of my musical life. However, I sense instinctively that the time is right for change.”
He concluded: “It has been a remarkable journey in so many ways and I would like to thank the players of YBS, both past and present, for sharing what evolved into a unique musical experience for all of us.”
David King has nurtured YBS into one of the most successful artistic performance brass ensembles in modern banding history, the dynamic partnership attaining countless accolades including, in the decade between 1996 and 2006, eight European Championship titles, four British Open titles and three All-England titles. YBS was also voted 4barsrest ‘Band of the Year’ on three occasions in the past six years.