Composer in Residence for GUS
The GUS band is delighted to announce that professional composer and producer Mike Sheppard has accepted the invitation to become the band’s new Composer in Residence. Since returning to the brass band community Mike has worked with some of the country's top bands and players. 2019 has already been busy for this prolific artist who has already demonstrated his talents with world premieres featuring Foden’s, Steven Mead, Brighouse & Rastrick, and GUS band's own talented flugelhorn soloist Della Pearce, who premiered a major commission at the Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School.
As a musician and composer Mike is equally at home with classical, jazz, pop or choral music. His published works for performance include music for choirs, orchestras and jazz ensembles, with his brass band work soon to be published on the Hal Leonard label. Mike’s 2011 album 'The Soul Rests Eternal', featuring cellist Caroline Dale with the English Chamber Orchestra was Radio 3’s ‘Presenter’s Choice’ and Classic FM’s ‘Sunday Best’.
Commenting on the appointment GUS Artistic Director Chris Jeans said, “I am really looking forward to this collaboration which I am positive will herald a great era of new music making and innovation. It will help propel us forward in our preparation for our forthcoming engagements, as well as our 2020 CD recording with World of Brass which will include an exciting collection of fresh new music.”
The GUS Band has had a long history of fruitful composer and recording partnerships going back to the 1980’s, such as the highly successful recording project with the late Mark Freeh, 'Christmas Fantasia' featuring the music of Andrew Wainwright, and latterly contributing two items to Simon Dobson’s eclectic album ‘Euneirophrenia’.
On working with Chris and The GUS Mike commented, “I am bursting with new ideas for brass band scores and I can't wait to get to know the band well so that I can tailor music specifically to them. Watch this space!”
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