Neil Cross, Director NYBBS Retires.
The National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS) have announced the forthcoming retirement of Course Director, Neil Cross. After 20 years in the role, Neil has decided to commence his retirement after the conclusion of this year's summer courses being held in Perth and Stirling.
The parent body of NYBBS, The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) wish to publicly acknowledge Neil's commitment and hard work over these extended years and thank him for his dedication in enabling member numbers to nearly triple during this time.
George Burt, President of SBBA commented: "Neil, together with the support staff and tutors, are to be congratulated for their work in bringing all the bands of NYBBS to the active levels they now enjoy. The dedication of Neil's work in organising the residential courses and many of the additional performance opportunities is what has enabled SBBA to now look at the organisation's further development and growth in terms of matching the profiles of the other national youth music organisations in Scotland. SBBA is extremely grateful for the energy and time that he has dedicated to this role and offers him and his family its best wishes for more relaxed summers!"
Neil has been involved with NYBBS for the last 34 years, originally as a playing member himself (tenor horn) and then as house-staff, followed by involvement with the organisation of the Reserve Band and then engaging in the full organisational role in 1993, upon the retirement of Stewart Watson.
Neil explained that this has been a very difficult decision, but feels that with the new NYBBS Board in place, with a clear focus for the organisation's future development and the committed support of SBBA as the parent body, it is an ideal time for him to relieve himself of the heavy administrative workload which has become more difficult to incorporate into his many other work and personal commitments.
Richard Evans, Musical Director of NYBBS (premier band) offered his own congratulations for Neil's involvement with the band, commenting "It's been an absolute joy to work with Neil these 20 or more years. He's the most professional man I've ever worked with and he will be greatly missed. I offer him my sincerest best wishes in his retirement from NYBBS."
Arrangements for the 2013 NYBBS Summer Courses are now in full flow, with Neil maintaining his normal role throughout the preparations. Neil, NYBBS staff and SBBA are looking forward to welcoming this year's NYBBS members to what they believe will be an extra special set of residential courses, appropriately marking the 20th Anniversary of Neil's Directorship of the organisation.
