|
The End Of An Era[ History ] Characteristic of Long Eaton's long continued success in the upper sections was the stability of its band membership and in particular the long tenures of its musical directors. This came to end during 1975, when following a number of player resignations and poor attendance at engagements, Arthur Marshall resigned, after forty-two years service to the band as player and musical director. At the extraordinary general meeting called on 25th July 1975, Arthur said that he felt that the band was no longer going anywhere, just stagnating, and that his resignation would give the band a chance to see if a new conductor could make a difference. The band made strenuous efforts to dissuade him, both at this meeting and over the next two months, but eventually Ted Bradley, the principal euphonium, band master, and junior teacher, took over. Regrading to the fourth section had been first discussed in committee in December 1974. During the months following Arthur Marshall's resignation, further senior players also left the band, and at the A.G.M. on 21st November 1975, Long Eaton's long tenure amongst the Northeast Midlands senior brass bands finally ended. |