David stepping down as musical director
HATHERN Band have announced that David Newman is to step down as their musical director.
David said: “I am told that next year will be my 40th with Hathern Band. It is with that in mind that my thoughts turn to the future.
“I believe that the Band needs fresh inspiration and to this end I have informed the Committee of my intention to retire from the senior band and have given 12 months’ notice. I hope to advise and help with my successor, I have said 12 months, although if the right person is found in the near future, we need not wait the whole year.
“I am honoured to be the president of Hathern Band and will not be going anywhere. I am even thinking about playing again! so I will still be around.”
A band spokesperson said: “David’s commitment to Hathern Band has been outstanding over what we believe could be a record of a 40-year directorship. He took on a struggling 4th Section Band and built, guided and directed the band taking them through to where they are today in the Championship Section.
“David was one of the master minds with the setting up of our fantastic youth and training bands, spending many hours teaching to ensure the future of the band. David’s dedication, work and commitment to Hathern Band has been absolutely outstanding and we can’t thank him enough for everything he has done, and I am sure will continue to do, for the band.
“David will stay on as conductor of the training and youth bands, something he loves, where he will continue as he has done for many years, to teach and mentor young talent, a number of his pupils are already making their mark in the senior band.”