Brass Bands and Music

From the age of 10 I wanted to play the trombone so I joined the local youth band, Laira Youth Band, as their first ever trombone player.

"No idea what I was doing but I muddled on and loved it."

I went on to  play for many different ensembles around Plymouth and Devon,  eventually graduating to play professionally in the Pit Orchestras in the then Palace Theatre and Hoe Theatre as  well as playing in big bands including the Musicians Union Big Band.

I became Musical Director of the Kingsbridge Silver Band when he was 19, then went on to conduct Plymouth Brass and Tavistock Brass. I was fortunate to get some guidance on conducting from the late great Tevor Walmsley.

Moving to the midlands I played for the Ind Coope Brewery Band in Burton on Trent and Amington Band in Tamworth before having a break from playing due to work commitments.

Taking up a  position in Cardiff  I moved to the Forest of Dean. After a change of work, Ian decided the time was right to get back to playing after a 10 year gap and he joined Cinderford Band on solo trombone.

Currently (and for the last few years) I am the Musical Director of the 134 year old Pillowell Silver Band. Based in the village of Pillowell in the Forest of Dean the band has it's own bandroom in the woods overlooking Pillowell.

"I am very proud to hold this position and to play a small part in keeping the great tradition of brass bands alive in the Forest of Dean. To follow in the footsteps of the like of the great T.J. Powell and others is a real honour."

The band is very much based in the community but has won a fair few trophies in the last few years including winning the West of England Areas 4th Section and an appearance in the finals with a credible 8th place finish in a field of 26 bands. Other prizes gained during my tenure have been won at the GBBA, SWBBA and Wychavon contests and on the band's only trip to an entertainment contest in Porthcawl.