2014 Thurrock Marching Brass Staff Announcements
After completing an incredibly successful three years leading Thurrock Marching Brass’ marching band, Darren Crisp will be moving into the new role of Head of Music Education, effective immediately.
Darren’s three year appointment by the board has seen an incredible growth in members, their development and also seen a number of competitive successes including back to back Silver Medals at the British Youth Band Association Nationals Championships in Cadet Class in 2011 and 2012 respectively, plus the 2013 British Youth Band Association Cadet Class Championships win along with the league title as well. An incredible track record and one that we are all extremely proud of.
Darren had this to say about his role change “I am incredibly pleased at the progress here at TMB, the staff, supporters and everyone who surround the members really do have their best interests at heart. I have enjoyed driving the efforts of the band immensely but I also have to balance the important commitment that this position demands with my own work commitments which includes increasing foreign travel. Although it was a very hard decision for me to make, I wasn’t able to commit to a further three years in the same capacity sadly. I will, however, be responsible for the music education for TMB going forwards, and ensuring, in conjunction with our Music Director Reece Crisp, that TMB’s development in this area continues to grow in strength over the coming years. I want to thank each and every one of my staff, and I know that my successor will help to raise the bar even higher going forwards. This is a great place to be, and I look forward to contributing in my new capacity as we take things forwards”
The board are pleased to announce Darren’s successor, effective immediately. Joanna Crisp has been appointed as Corps Director for the next three years, and hopefully beyond. Joanna has been with the band from the very beginning and steps up into the Corps Director’s position with a variety of experience, which includes many years at both the Blue Ambassadors and the Blue Eagles before joining TMB in its re-launch year of 2010. Jo has also been working on the visual and music side of the band over the past few years, and has a good first year of winterguard designing under her belt. Additionally, Ken Mansfield will be stepping up from his Deputy Corps Director’s role into the full Assistant Director’s position. Ken will also retain his Head of Winter position, continuing the development of this area for the organisation, which he has helped to guide and grow to three competitive teams for the 2014 season.
Thurrock Marching Brass’ Chairman, Paul Morgan comments “Darren has done a magnificent job since his appointment in 2010. The Corps Director’s position is a three year appointment, with the opportunity to continue, but I fully understand that when work life pressures start to challenge time and the ability to give the role its fullest focus, then tough decisions need to be made. I know this was a hard decision for Darren, but I couldn’t be more delighted personally that he will be staying on to oversee the music educational aspects of the band going forwards. Together with Reece, our musical development and arrangement abilities remain incredibly strong, which will only benefit our growing membership base directly. I and the entire board would like to publicly thank Darren for all that he has done for Thurrock Marching Brass. Our next chapter now starts with the appointment of Joanna Crisp as Corps Director, and Ken Mansfield as Assistant Corps Director, an excellent combination for the band. Both bring an amazing amount of experience in all aspects of marching and performing arts, and as important for the board, a detailed and in depth understanding of the organisation and the members themselves. Jo also makes Thurrock Marching Brass history in becoming the first female Corps Director ever appointed. We believe that with Jo and Ken driving the band forwards there will be so many exciting memories and positive experiences for our members to enjoy well into the future. I would like to congratulate Jo on her new appointment, and to Ken in his new Assistant Corps Director position. The future really is starting to take shape, and the band is in great hands”.
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