There would be no abcd without Andrew Potter. It was only through the vision of Andrew and his great collaborator, John Rutter (who calls it 'Andrew's brainchild'), that the Association was founded in 1986. And it was not only the vision but also his utter commitment to the establishment of an association for choral directors in the UK that makes Andrew such a pivotal figure for the whole of abcd's existence.
Andrew's death on 18th February is a huge blow to all those who are involved with abcd. As well as providing the initiative for founding the association, he led us forward following a major restructuring of the organisation in 2001 that strengthened its corporate governance. Even after relinquishing the chairmanship for the second time, Andrew was always there - at Trustees and Council meetings, at Conventions, at events - offering wise words, encouraging others and, very importantly, keeping a critical eye on how things were done and, crucially, how the finances were.
He was never afraid of making difficult decisions, always to our benefit. A career in the music industry had given him an invaluable perspective on how things should be run. In his role of Director of the Music Department of OUP, Andrew encouraged the expansion of that company's marvellous choral catalogue. As Chairman of the Performing Rights Society, he steered that organisation through one of its rockiest periods - when the classical subsidy was attacked by the majority of members and abolished - and ensured that composers who earned little from their royalties would have the chance to apply for subsidy from the PRS Foundation which was set up, very much Andrew's idea. As Director of Publishing at ABRSM I enjoyed a rigorous but mutually respectful relationship with Andrew who won the contract for the distribution of our sheet music by OUP, not once but twice!
After retirement from OUP, Andrew devoted himself to musical charities but also contributed his expertise and experience through teaching in various institutions, passing on his vast knowledge of the music publishing business. He also chaired the Design and Artists Copyright Society that under Andrew campaigned for artists' rights when the resale right was implemented in the UK. His chairmanship of Making Music established the close relationship our two organisations now enjoy. He was also a practical musician, loving his time encouraging the men of the Sussex Gruffs Male Voice Choir, enjoying the challenge of developing mature voices from growling to relative purity and giving them the confidence to perform!
Latterly, not one to take a back seat, Andrew had recognised that there was still a role for him within abcd that he had not tackled before. He was considering taking on the Convention administration. That is not to be but thanks to his initiative, the programme for the 2016 Convention in Winchester has been organised and announced. With his usual imagination, Andrew identified a group of people who he knew would develop an exciting convention. But the concept, the vision, was his and we will be in his debt as what I know will be an exceptional event comes to fruition.
Our sadness at Andrew's death must be tempered by the privilege of knowing such a remarkable man. Our sympathy for his devoted partner, Jan, and his family cannot be underestimated. But I'm sure the greatest tribute we can pay to Andrew would be to continue to pursue his vision with all the energy and commitment he himself gave to abcd.