19th March 2025
I haven’t updated this page with any news since last September, but quite a lot has happened since then. My return to Wellington Silver Band on BBb Bass has been very enjoyable – together with a couple of gigs on drums – notably at the Remembrance Service in Wellington Park where me and my drum kit became absolutely drenched as it poured with rain, but as of this month it has taken a complely new turn. Their musical director has had to leave, and the band was being led by their bandmaster who was doing a terrific job. The band advertised the post and I applied for it. Fortunately, my application was successful and I am now the Musical Director. I’m really enjoying it and hope to be able to keep the post for as long as possible.
It has meant that I have had to reconsider my membership of Exeter Symphony Orchestra as their rehearsals are on the same evening. My final concert with them will be in July – when they are to play my Symphonic Suite ‘Thoughts of Cambridge‘ – a concert that I could not possibly miss! It also means that my tuba playing days may well be over.
25th September 2025
Some much better news for you following on from the hernia issue reported in July: I’ve seen the surgeon at Musgrove Park Hospital, and he’s convinced that I don’t require an operation to fix it. We discussed it fully, and are both of the opinion that the site that it protrudes from does so because it’s the site of entry to when I had both my groin hernias done 16 years ago. That’s good news. I hadn’t had a blow on my tuba since July, but have now had a toot and will be returning to Wellington Silver Band very soon. I have decided to give Exeter Symphony Orchestra a miss until 2026, when they be playing my ‘Symphonic Suite – Thoughts of Cambridge‘. I have just picked the score and parts up from the printers and am really looking forward to that concert – date to be confirmed.
15th July 2025
Some not very good news for you all: I am currently unable to play tuba or drums at all following an abdominal hernia problem which manifested itself two weeks ago. I am currently awaiting an operation to fix the issue, but this probably won’t be much this side of Christmas. To say I’m devastated about this is putting it mildly. I’ve already had to miss engagements with Exeter Symphony Orchestra, Wellington Silver Band and Tiverton Town Band. I could probably play the drums, but loading them in and out of my car and setting them up/taking them down might just be too much of a risk. I’m finding it hard to come to terms with, and sincerely hope that once I’ve had the operation it won’t be too long before I can get back to normal.
13th May 2025
It’s been far too long since I added any news updates on here, and there have been a few developments I should tell you about. You are propably aware that I no longer play for Weston Brass as the travelling was just getting far too much for me twice a week, so I sadly had to leave the band. I thought that might be my lot in banding, other than depping for my good friends at Lympstone Band occasionally, but then I found a vacancy on BBb Bass at Wellington Silver Band – the nearest brass band to me – and I’ve now officially rejoined the band. I’ve been involved with them on many occasions in the past, and indeed was their Musical Director several years ago. They have made me very welcome, and I hope my involvement with the band continues for a long time.
Obrasso, too, have made me very welcome, and there are now six new compositions of mine for sale on their website.
21st November 2024
Here’s some great news for you: You may have read about my demise with MF Publications back in September, and to be honest, I thought that might bring the publishing of my compositions to a rather abrupt end. However, that is not the case as it turns out. I have made enquiries with several other publishers, and at least two have made encouragingly positive responses. I will now be published by the massisve name in brass band works – Obrasso. To say that I’m slightly overwhelmed by this would be putting it midly! The first piece they will be publishing is ‘Joyeax!’ which I wrote a few years back. I’m also still negotiating with Pennine Music to see if they wish to publish any titles.
2nd October 2024
As I’m sat at home recovering from my hip op – unable to drive or even walk very far – I’ve spent a lot of time staring blankly at Sibelius on my computer and coming up with nothing! My creative spark was having a rest, I think. Thankfully, it has returned, and I’ve managed to produce a couple of works to add to my ever growing collection. They are ‘Semper Invictus‘ – a brass band piece – which is a reworking of the final movement of my Symphony No. 3, and ‘Incandescence‘ – another brass band work designed as a concert opener. It’s a bright and cheerful number to get concert audiences in the right mood!
5th September 2024
Here’s a news update for you. Sadly I’ve been suffering considerably with osteo arthritis in my left hip, which has resulted in me not being able to play drums or tuba for several months. Thankfully I have now had the hip replacement operation and am well on the road to recovery, so hopefully I’ll be back performing this side of Christmas.
More news of the not very happy sort is that as of September 2024 my 18 year long association with MF Publications in Switzerland has had to come to an end. I’ll not go into the details of what’s happened on here, but, suffice to say I am not impressed with some rather unprofessional and insulting behaviour from them, albeit they have apologised. That said, they have published many of my original compositions and arrangements, and I have produced over 350 transpositions and 150 transcriptions for them, so I’m not unhappy with that! We’ll see what happens; I’m not averse to working for them again.
27th March 2024
Here’s a couple of news items for you: you may recall seeing that for a number of reasons, I’d moved away from performing anywhere other than with Exeter Symphony Orchestra recently – it was all getting too much and I didn’t feel as if I was heading in the right direction with the other ensembles I was playing with. After a great deal of thought and discussion with Catherine, I’ve made a decision to take a new step from next week. I saw an advert for an EEb Bass vacancy at Weston Brass in Weston-Super-Mare (not too far from where we live), and having spoken to them, I’m going for a blow on 2nd April with a view to playing with them in the future. They are a 1st Section contesting band, so playing there should get my spirits back up and running, and who knows what will happen as a result?
The other news item? Well, I’ve been contacted by Dimitri Vasylyev, the conductor of the Grenchen City Orchestra in Switzerland, and they are going to be performing my work ‘Excalibur’ at the cantonal Music Competition in Mümliswil, Switzerland on Sunday 30th June 2024! Great news! It’s the concert wind band version -not the brass band one, and together we’ve discussed amendments to the cadenza in the piece so that it can be played on Bb Clarinet.
15th February 2024
It might have come to the notice of many of my friends and musical colleagues, but just so that you know, for health and other reasons, I am not playing in any brass bands at this time. I did apply for the job of Musical Director at Wellington Silver Band here in Somerset, but because of ongoing health issues, I decided to withdraw my application. I’m just playing tuba in Exeter Symphony Orchestra for the time being. I have to say that if I lived nearer to them, my chosen band would be the Lympstone Band (formerly known as the SW Comms Band) situated between Exeter and Exmouth. Who knows what will happen in the future?
On the subject of Avid Sibelius issue mentioned below, after making a most direct and quite blunt complaint about it, they have finally rectified the issue from which I (and presumably many others) was suffering, and my ‘about me’ page is actually now ‘about me’…!
29th January 2024
I sincerely hope you’re all having a decent New New here in 2024. I just wanted to share this ridiculous situation I’ve been experiencing with Avid (owners of the ‘Sibelius’ software that I use). It’s been going on for over a year now! Here’s what I posted on Facebook:
I wasn’t going to put this on social media, but having tried for over a year to get Avid to sort it out, I have little choice. Those of you who know me will know that I’ve been using Sibelius notation software to write my music since the very first version came out, and now use the latest version of Sibelius Ultimate. I love the software and it works beautifully 99% of the time. I also have to use it as the publishing company I work for – Musikverlag Frank GmbH also use it.
9th November 2023
Well those few months went past way too quickly! Lots has been happening – including neither my wife Catherine nor I being very well. I’m on the mend (apart from my left hip), but Catherine is still struggling.
The good news is that I was seconded to play at rather short notice with my good friends at Lympstone Band (formerly SW Comms Band) at the SWBBA 75th Anniversary Contest in Torquay on Saturday 4th November – and we only went and won the ‘Open’ (Championship & 1st Section combined) Section! This is arguably the best result the band has had in it’s long history, and makes it probably the best brass band in Devon by a long shot. Well done to everyone.
On another ‘note’ – following on from the success of my Symphony of Somerset, I’ve started writing Symphony No. 2 – “Cambridge” – and attach a snippet of the first movement so far for your enjoyment. Cambridge – I hear you ask? Well, many moons ago after a concert – I think it was in Birmingham – with the British Police Symphony Orchestra, a priest whom I did not know came up to me and said he’d seen ‘greatness’ for me at the Church of St Mary the Great in Cambridge in the future. Tempting fate, perhaps, but that’s why I’ve entitled it ‘Cambridge’. I have actually visited the church twice since that time.
15th June 2023
Well doesn’t life pass you by at a speed when you’re busy! I’ve been working hard for Taunton Funeral Service, and trying to do as much work for Musikverlag-Frank as possible – lots of transcriptions and transpositions recently – but I can cope.
Some more news about my ‘Symphony of Somerset’ – it’s due to be performed by Dorset County Orchestra this Saturday (17th June) in Swanage. I was due to play tuba with them, but due to both me and my wife not being exactly 100% at the moment, I’ve had to pull out, and I’m desperately sad about that. There’s also the good news that Somerset County Orchestra and Portsmouth Light Orchestra might also be featuring the piece in their 2024 concert programmes. Great news!
13th April 2023
Such a lot has hapened this last month I’ve not had a chance to enter anything onto
this blog for some time. However, I’ll start with the premiere of my ‘Symphony of Somerset’ at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth on 18th March. What a fabulous evening! There was a plentiful audience gathered for the occasion, and Exeter Symphony Orchestra did not disappoint. My work was very well-received, and several people commented how much they had enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the piece and how it had made them smile! All good news. I will hopefully have a recording to share at some stage, but I understand there are a couple of technical glitches to sort out first.
6th March 2023
I’m so looking forward – albeit with a little trepidation – to having my ‘Symphony of Somerset’ performed by Exeter Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 18th March. It’s been a lot of fun at rehearsals these past few weeks, and with only two rehearsals to go, I’m pleased with how it’s all working out. It’s been a joint effort between our MD Arturo Serna, myself and many members of the orchestra, and together with the sensible and informed suggestions for slight alterations that have been made, I think the finished ‘product’ will be worthy of a full house at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth.
I know tickets are selling fast. I had the dubious pleasure of being interviewed live on BBC Radio Devon last Friday – not my favourite experience – but, hey ho! There’s also the newspaper article in the Exmouth Journal, and the Exeter Weekly magazine (next week), and possibly a BBC Spotlight appearance too, but I really hope that doesn’t happen!
1st December 2022
I’ve had a fantastic early Christmas present! Some terrific news for you all: my ‘Symphony of Somerset’ is to be premiered at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth by Exeter Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 18th March 2023! Needless to say I’m over the moon to learn of this. The concert will also feature Glinka’s ‘Rusian & Ludmiila’, Debussy’s ‘Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un Faune’, Saint-Saens’ ‘Samson and Delilah’, and the Sibelius Symphony No 1. No pressure then! I better have a good look at the tuba part..!
It’s very appropriate that this work should be premiered at Holy Trinity Church, as it could be said that that is where my composing life actually began. Whilst in the church choir under the spirited eye of organist and choirmistress Hope Bardrick, despite my hopeless lack of concentration and self-belief, she managed to get me to Grade VIII in the Theory of Music by the time I was 16 years of age. I dedicate this one to you, Hope, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.7th October 2022
A little snippet of news for you post my departure from SW Comms Band: As you probably realise, leaving the band meant I had to return the bass I had been the custodian of, which meant I had no tuba to play with Exeter Symphony Orcherstra. Well, to cut a long story short, I made contact with with my good friend Graham Pillivant from Tiverton Town Band, and as luck would have it they had a Besson 700 EEb bass that was not being used, and he said I could borrow it. Things have moved on from there now, and I have now rejoined the band as their official tuba/percussionist/drum kit player and Assistant Musical Director, and am able to take my good lady wife Catherine with me, who is learning the tenor horn (very quickly, I might add) and is able to play the 2nd horn parts. A result for everyone! Who knows what will happen with this move in the future?
3rd October 2022
I thought you might like to hear this: it’s one of the performances of my composition ‘Excalibur’ at the German National Brass Band Championships (DBBM 2022) this weekend. I’m over the moon about the whole thing. What an honour it’s been to have this piece selected for this competition – something I didn’t really expect to happen, and on top of that, to have Ray Farr, Bob Childs and Jakob de Haan adjudicating – well, my mind is well and truly blown!
16th September 2022
Following some interesting conversations with fellow music professionals after some recent posts I put on Facebook about copyright issues, I’ve decided to make some major changes to the way my works are going to be published. They will be at the
4barsrest shop in future, plus these two global sites courtesy of Hal Leonard. The wealth of my works that have been published at Musikverlag-Frank these last 16 years will remain there, but new works and arrangements will go to these new sites unless Musikverlag-Frank specifically request 
work from me. Given the advice I’ve received from trusted sources, it seems that I might receive a better source of income from the 4barsrest shop – that is, if anyone actually wants to buy my stuff in the first place! I’ll still be doing the large amount of transcription work I had been doing for Musikverlag Frank though.
1st September 2022
Sometimes things just don’t get any easier do they? With the cost of fuel and 80-mile round trip journeys to Lympstone to play with SW Comms Band, combined with frequent trips to Exeter to see and help Catherine’s parents, the difficult decision had to be made not to continue playing in the band as things stand. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I’ve played on and off with the band since moving to Exmouth in 1971 as a teenager, but something had to give, and sadly it had to be that. I’m still smarting from having to make that decision, and have returned their Besson Sovereign EEb bass to them. I’ll contine playing with Exeter Symphony Orchestra at the moment as that is not so demanding on my time, and because they are hopefully playing my Symphony of Somerset soon! I’m just not entirely sure where I’m going to get another EEb bass from at the moment – and at £4,500 for second-hand one I certainly can’t afford to buy one!
27th July 2022
I’m glad to report that other than a recurring post-Covid headache, I’ve recovered from the dreaded Covid 19 I had a few weeks back.
Sadly I’m finding all the travelling to Devon from here in Somerset to my ensembles rather expensive at the moment with the astronomical fuel prices we are having to endure, and hope that business greed gives way to common decency in the near future and that prices can be back to a realistic norm very soon.
I have been able to carry on writing music, and have a new work for brass band taking shape as we speak. It’s currently called ‘Changing Seasons’, but we’ll wait and see how it turns out whether I keep that title.
11th July 2022
I apologise for the long gap between posts on this page, but we’ve been having a rather difficult time here – not necessarily
for any reasons that I could or should share with you on here, but for other circumstances – together with the narcissistic behaviour of certain individuals which was beyond my control. It has made me quite ill with a recurrence of the depression I’ve suffered with periodically for most of my adult 
life, and to be honest, I could have done without it! On top of that my wonderful and incredibly beautiful wife has too been unwell, but has stood by me throughout all of it – together with my three (adult) children, who too have been brilliant.
So you move on from those issues, which won’t actually go away and just have to be lived with, and carry on writing music either in composition, arrangement or transcription form for MF Publications, and carry on playing with SW Comms Band and Exeter Symphony Orchestra, only to be dealt a cruel blow this last week and be struck down with Covid 19. I’m still not testing negative here, but thankfully have recovered from the worst it could throw at me.
On a more ‘positive’ note however: having managed to speak briefly to Philip Harper whilst attending a concert by Cory Band a couple of months back in Bridgwater, I managed to learn that whilst my composition ‘Ride to Valhalla’ didn’t win the RWCMD Cory Band Composing Competition, he did like it and placed it in the top ten. So, that’s good enough for me!
20th April 2022
Ooh – over a month since my last update! Not great. SW Comms Band despite their best efforts at the Areas Contest at Cheltenham only managed 11th out of 12 bands, which was very disappointing. It wasn’t exactly helped by it not perhaps being our best ever performance of the piece – it was better in the warm-up than actually on the stage – and it certainly wasn’t helped by a couple of blunders here and there – particularly one from me when I came in a bar early right at the end of the last movement at ‘ff‘ – something I’d never done before in any of our rehearsals. I’ve just about stopped beating myself up about it now. Since then the band has been plagued with illness and absences, and we haven’t actually blown together since, and now I’ve got the ‘flu as well! Could be worse – it could be Covid 19.
On a positive ‘note’, I’ve heard from Arturo Serna – the Musical Director of Exeter Symphony Orchestra, and we are going to be performing my ‘Symphony of Somerset‘ at some stage in the near future – which is great news. I’ve been through the piece with a fine toothcomb and have ironed out a few errors here and there, and following on from some constructive comments about the piece, have rewritten the opening to make it more of a statement – and I like it! I’ll post the concert date and venue as soon as I know it. Exciting stuff! Now all I have to do is print all the parts…!
3rd March 2022
SW Comms Band are really looking forward to the challenge of playing Heaton’s ‘Contest Music‘ at the Areas Contest next month following our respectable 7th place at the Welsh Open on Sunday 20th February. Onward and upward as they say! The band is sounding better and better under the superb baton of our Musical Director Stephen Sykes – and who knows what we can achieve? Somewhere higher up the order than at the previous Areas Contest in March 2020 would be appreciated!
I’ve also been fairly busy writing music recently, and have entered one of my new works ‘Ride to Valhalla‘ into the RWCMD Cory Band Composing Competition. Who knows? It probably won’t get anywhere, but then that’s the usual attitude of a man who’s spent most of his life not really believing in himself! More commissions coming in though, which is great news.
NB: You may have noticed that my website and other social media outlets no longer make mention of NAMIR. This is because I’ve resigned from my position as their editor after a crazy magazine article issue and subsequently a social media situation that left me with little choice. I see that their not very brilliant website (which comes up with a ‘dangerous website’ warning in Norton Lifelock) still lists me as a committee member and Editor. I’ve also cancelled my membership, which is a bit sad, but at least I’ve saved myself £40.00 a year!
On the plus side however, I’ve recently been appointed as the Editor of ‘Fiveways’ magazine here in Bishops Lydeard. It’s effectively what is our Parish magazine for Bishops Lydeard, Combe Florey, Cothelstone, Lydeard St Lawrence and West Bagborough, so that should keep me busy!
1st February 2022
After a week of brass banding uncertainty, and a great deal of perhaps unwisely used words by some people about it, the cancelled West of England Area Contest originally planned for 12th and 13th March 2022 at the Riviera Centre in Torquay has been rearranged with the help of Kapitol Promotions, and will now be held over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of April 2022 at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse. This in itself will undoubtedly cause bands further problems – I know it already affects SW Comms Band – as player availability will be an issue.
Kapitol Promotions – who run the National Finals aspect of the contests, have stepped in and assisted WEBBA who had the rug unceremoniously pulled from under their feet last week as the long-standing venue in Torquay is currently being used as a COVID-19 vaccination centre, and despite previously being thought to be available on the published dates in March, has had to continue being used for this past the original end date and cannot now be available in March as originally planned. It’s not really WEBBA’s fault, but they have perhaps caused a huge outcry from West of England bands by unwittingly giving them the impression that they hadn’t really tried to find another venue when I’m sure they actually were doing everything in their power to find one.
16th January 2022
My first post of 2022, and let’s hope I’m able to make my posts this year positive as often as possible.
We’ve had builders, plumbers, electricians and carpenters here on and off since November 2021 completely ripping apart the back rooms of our house and turning them into an insulated, fuctioning music room/office – and now that it’s (almost) finished, I can start the new year working in it – and it’s lovely. Take a look at the pictures:
28th November
Well what an evening that was! Apart from it being rather chilly in St David’s Church in Exeter, an appreciative audience witnessed Arturo Serna’s first proper indoor concert with Exeter Symphony Orchestra since taking over the baton from Brian Northcott two years ago, and what a concert it was. Over the last few months Arturo has been concentating on getting the orchestra to play the pieces exactly how he wanted them played, and his patience and professionalism certainly paid off. I certainly think it was the best concert I’ve played in with the orchestra, and the audience gave us a standing ovation!
There were some great solos from Tracey Alder on French Horn, and a lovely Cor Anglais solo by Tara Fletcher. It was also great to see Brian Northcott and Mark Perry playing percussion with the orchestra.
The programme was: Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito (conducted by Mark Perry), Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, and Sibelius Karelia Suite for the first half, and then the Symphony No. 2 by Tchaikovsky for the 2nd half.
16th November
An update for you: I spent last Friday night in A&E at Musgrove Park Hospital after being admitted via ambulance with chest pains. After loads of blood tests, x-rays and ECG tests the good news is that it’s apparently not my heart causing the pain, but we don’t yet know what is. It’s suggested that it might be a muscular issue perhaps due to my funeral work, but more tests are required this coming week. I’m home now and feeling ok – just rather grumpy as I had to miss the Remembrance Parades with SW Comms Band on Sunday as a result of being grounded. 
7th November
I played in another concert at Exeter Cathedral last night – this time playing Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan’ by Gustav Mahler on tuba with the Isca Ensemble. A tricky piece for the whole orchestra, and there were several little places where it didn’t quite work out as written! Nevertheless, it was a great performance in general and earned rapturous applause from the audience. Hilariously, there are four bars in the last movement where a tuba mute is called for, and having carted the thing around all day, I forgot to put it in for those bars! I’m sure not even the conductor noticed.
4th November
After many rehearsals and challenging personnel issues with players in the band, SW Comms Band went to the Wychavon Contest on 30th October and played their hearts out in the competition. Sadly the band weren’t placed anywhere due to some serious bands in opposition, but our solo cornet player Megan Newbery won the award for ‘Best Soloist’ on the day for her brilliant rendition of The Paragon. Fabulous stuff for her – and she is definitely going places with her music ability. It was great to be able to socalize with other band people once more – it’s 19 months since the band contested! It’s all looking up for the band now however, and with our new MD Stephen Sykes at the helm, who knows what we can achieve?
19th October
It seems that the last month has really flown by, and that a great deal has happened during it. Notably, I have written at great speed a symphonic work I’ve called a ‘Symphony of Somerset‘. It is a symphony, and consists of four movements each depicting folk tunes I’ve found during my research for the project. Once I’d really got into it there was no stopping me, and my creative juices really flowed! It’s only 12 minutes long, but it’s still a symphony.
I’ve also been rehearsing with the Isca Ensemble ahead of their concert on 6th November at Exeter Cathedral which features Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan’. Add to that a concert with Exeter Symphony Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral last weekend for the ABF – the Soldier’s Charity.
Then there was the concert on Saturday 16th October with SW Comms Band in Newton Abbot, at which I should have been playing EEb Bass as is my normal position in the band, but as one of the percussionists coudn’t make it at fairly short notice, I had to play percussion instead – a tall order with some very tricky pieces and very little rehearsal time. As it happened I really enjoyed it – apart from being a little scared that I would massively mess it up, and was honoured to have our MD’s father the legendary Steve Sykes play EEb bass in my place! Not a bad dep then!
18th September
After what seems many years, and many changes of subject, I’ve finally started writing my long-awaited musical – Lorna Doone. I first set about writing a very unlikely story about Jesus appearing in several different countries and lands but as different characters, but I think that was too far-fetched! My next plan was a story called ‘Stage Fright’ – which did have all the makings of a decent musical, but it just didn’t get my creative juices flowing. Then we moved to Somerset, and fell in love with the beauty that is Exmoor, and the R D Blackmore story of Lorna Doone came to mind. We went and saw a production of Lorna Doone by the Pleasuredome Theatre Company up on the cliffs by the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton, and that was it – I was hooked, and set about writing some music. I’m still trying to find a lyricist to help with the songs, and someone with the right skills to produce a libretto for me, but at least I’ve made a start!.
2nd September 2021
Massive news here at Dance is With Music: my piece ‘Excalibur’ has been selected as the 3rd Section test piece for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships in Germany in 2022. The selected test pieces are all published by MF Publications in Switzerland for whom I work, and this is big news for them as well. I’m absolutely over the moon!
The news is now quoted on the Brass Bands England website too, so perhaps there’s a chance that this can start happening on this side of the channel too!
Here’s a link to the DBBV website where you can read all about it: National Brass Band Championships – Germany 2022
18th August 2021
SW Comms Band have now successfully appointed a new Musical Director, and it is Stephen Sykes from the well-respected brass banding family of that name. Stephen has now taken a couple of rehearsals, and the effect his knowledge is having is marked. It’s brilliant, and bodes well for the future of the band.
The band has also undertaken two concerts – one in the bandstand at Dawlish, where everyone except the basses and horns got soaked by a downpour halfway through the final piece! The second one was a concert in Exmouth Pavilion that had been postponed three times from 2019 because of the Covid-19 situation, and then had to be rapidly changed and new pieces added by the band as their co-performers Centre Stage were unable to participate after an outbreak of Covid from their 50th Anniversary concert the previous week. Charlie Fleming conducted the concert, and was on superb form – engaging the appreciative audience with his dry wit and repartie from the front!
The band is looking forward to competing in the Championship Section at the Wychavon Contest this October, and at the Areas in Torquay in March 2022.
27th July 2021
Apart from the fact that’s it’s my brother’s birthday today, here’s some interesting news about ensembles I play with:
SW Comms Band are well and truly back playing, and have spent the last few weeks auditioning for a new musical director. Whilst no decision has yet been made, we had some seriously strong candidates, and the future looks very bright. We have two engagements at the beginning of August – one in the bandstand in Dawlish (if we can fit in it socially distanced at a metre apart!), and the other a ‘proms’ style concert in Exmouth Pavilion. I’m really looking forward to both.
Exeter Symphony Orchestra performed their first concert since the end of 2019 at Poltimore House near Exeter last weekend – and it was hugely successful. All those online Zoom rehearsals certainly paid off, and it was fantastic to have our ‘new’ MD Arturo Serna conducting his first concert since he was appointed nearly two years ago!
The weather forecast was dreadful, but thankfully the weather gods prevailed, and apart from a couple of slight showers, it stayed dry, and the sun actually shone!
14th July 2021
Having been asked to do a couple of concerts on drums as a guest for my friends at Tiverton Town Band, I gladly accepted, and did the first one at Holcombe Court in Holcombe Rogus last Saturday. The weather stayed fine, and there was a significant audience to hear the band. I was a little apprehensive about what state my Premier ‘Resonator’ drums would be in having not 
been played in anger for over a year, but I needn’t have worried. I do take great care of them, and they are protected by some serious professional ‘Protection Racket’ cases. The stands could do with a bit of a polish, and that’s something I’ll be doing this week before the next gig at Bridwell Manor in Uffculme this Saturday coming. Channel 4 TV are coming for some reason, so the kit better look it’s very best!
15th June 2021
Following several conversations on the subject, I have spent the last week updating my website so that it now includes a ‘shop‘ so that customers can purchase my works and arrangements that are not already published by MF Publications. It was quite a piece of work, but I think it’s simple and straightforward, and it looks ‘friendly’! There are currently over 30 pieces on there to choose from including my brass quintet works. There are dozens of other arrangements that I can’t advertise on the shop due to copyright issues.
‘Socially distanced’ rehearsals are now underway at SW Comms Band twice a week, and with auditions for a new Musical Director to be held in July with three highly qualified candidates vying for the post, the future looks good. There are a few seats still available within the band ranks – notably 2nd euphonium, but all new members of a suitable standard would be made very welcome on Monday and Thursday evenings at our own bandroom in the heart of the village of Lympstone.
9th May 2021
Here we go again – three months since I updated my blog! To be honest, with everythings that’s been going on in the world, it hasn’t seemed very important, but here goes with the latest updates.
I’m now back on the committee of SW Comms Band, and that just feels right having spent many, many years with this band since I first joined back in 1972 as a spotty youth on 2nd Horn. I’m now officially No.2 on the EEb Bass section – exactly where I should be. The band have been doing six piece oudoor ensembles in Torquay and Lympstone over the last few months, which in Lympstone particularly has met with much appreciation from the public, who stopped by to listen. Hopefully, as the Covid-19 situation eases and regulations are lifted, the band should be back playing in the bandroom from May or June of this year – complete with it’s new MD, as Sam Hairsine has sadly had to move on due to his commitments with the Royal Marines Band Service. We wish him well.
Exeter Symphony Orchestra are also commencing rehearsals – firstly with the brass and wind sections at St David’s Church in Exeter, and we are also hopeful that planned concerts can go ahead in the near future – particularly at Politmore House on 4th July.
I’ve bought and installed a new computer, and was amazed that it was quite simple to do – including reinstalling all the programs. Way to go!
23rd February 2021
Having had a bit of time on my hands recently (not much funeral work coming in for some reason) and having purchased ‘NotePerformer3‘ through Avid (that doesn’t
make any sense, does it?), I have revisited a huge number of my works that are posted on this website on the ‘Soundcloud’ page, and have even added more. I’ve re-uploaded them to my Soundcloud account, having exported them with the new ‘NotePerformer3‘ sound set – which is so much better than Avid Sibelius Sounds. Not only are the sounds themselves better (it actually sounds like instruments playing) but the ease of use is a massive improvement on that offered by Sibelius Sounds. It also doesn’t take up 28 gigs of space on my PC. I only wish I’d known how much better it was somewhat earlier as I would have invested in it ages ago!
17th February 2021
My new work, which I have now entitled ‘Triptych for Brass’, as the second and third movements aren’t really ‘symphonic’ enough to warrant the title ‘Symphonic Brass’, is now complete. It’ll make a great concert piece, and it’s not too long – only seven minutes. It’s based on different moods, and the first movement is called ‘Menace’ (it’s a bit disturbing!), the second is called ‘Contemplation’ – as it’s a bit of a love song, and the last joyous movement is called ‘Happiness’ – which is reflected in the timbre of the movement.
I’m trying to complete dozens of works that I’ve started and never finished – some dating back to 2007! Wish me luck.
10th February 2021
Two posts within three days of each other – whatever next?
Just to say that I’ve managed to get my creative juices flowing with working on the march ‘The Dulverton Stag’, and such was the effect of it on me, I’ve revisited a work I started back in 2017 – which I have now entitled ‘Symphonic Brass’, and within a very short space of time, I’ve completed the first and second sections – and I love it! The music is pouring out of me – and long may it continue. There is a sound/video link to the piece on my Facebook account if you’d like to hear it, and it sounds really quite good now that I’m using NotePerformer3. I think that’s also had a positive effect on my music writing.
Edition 100 of the Intrepid Repairer magazine is finished, and all I have to do with it now is wade through the array of amendments raised by the proof readers…..!
7th February 2021
I’ve had my first Covid jab – knocked me for six for a couple of days, but I’m fine now. Managed to get the jab becuase of my ‘essential’ work in the funeral industry.
Music work: I’ve done loads of transcriptions for Musikverlag Frank – still a couple of the latest batch to go – and I’ve binned
Sibelius Sounds and gone with NotePerformer 3 – what a difference. I can’t belive I’ve put up with Sibelius Sounds for so long! I’ve complained bitterly to Avid about their software continually crashing on me and not being able to get it stable enough to actually play anything back – hence the move to NotePerfomer3 – and they’ve actually credited my account with two months worth of subscriptions! Who’d have thought it!
I’ve had a commission to write a march for a new band that’s starting up here in Somerset – Dulverton Town Band – well, they would start up if it wasn’t for the accursed Covid situation. The march is called ‘The Dulverton Stag’ – and it’s an intermediate level march that would be suitable for all players. I’ve sent it to Musikverlag Frank to see if they’d be interested in publishing it, and I’m hopeful that they will.
17th January 2021
Belated Happy New Year to you all. I’ve nothing really to report, except that I’m engaing in ‘Zoom’ rehearsals with Exeter Symphony Orchestra, and have a set of instruments to sort out for an Exmouth School when I am able to. The school doesn’t exactly ‘need’ them at the moment thanks to COVID-19.
I do have a large number of transcriptions to do for Musikverlag Frank though. There’s some traditional style ones, and a lot for a new format ensemble they are trying to push called a ‘woodwind band’. I’m finding these a little challenging as to where to sneak in the brass parts from the original, but I’m getting on with them.
17th November 2020
Hello again! Not quite a month since my last post on here, but things are starting to happen. We’re having ‘Zoom’ style rehearsals with Exeter Symphony Orchestra – my first one tonight and I’ll let you know how that goes. We did start having socially-distanced rehearsals at SW Comms Band as I previously said, but due to the latest lockdown measures, that’s had to be put on hold.
I’ve still been working for Musikverlag Frank, and have just completed a batch of nine Flex 5 transcriptions for them, and have just received another batch of 20 more!
The good news is that I have been booked on tuba as part of a brass quintet for two school carol services in December at King’s College here in Taunton – same as I did last year, and I sincerely hope that is able to go ahead.
Still can’t find my published copy of Soar! that Musikverlag Frank sent me. I know I had it over Christmas last year, but can I find it? No, I cannot.
20th October 2020
So sorry for the massive delay in posting anything here, but to be honest there hasn’t been much to say. I haven’t really blown my tuba in anger since March 14th (area contest in Torquay) and there has not been a single opportunity to play drums either, although I have ‘converted’ my kit to a right-footed, left-handed set up – and it will confuse the heck out of anyone who tries to play it conventionally!
Good news though: both Exeter Symphony Orchestra and SW Comms Band are starting Covid-safe well-spaced rehearsals, and I’m looking forward to going to Exeter this evening for a rehearsal with the wind and brass sections of the orchestra, and on Thursday I’ll be going to Lympstone for the first time playing EEb bass with SW Comms Band. Should be fun!
I’m still very much on the books at Musikverlag Frank, and such has been my input over the last decade that Peter now has ‘too much music in my name’ and we’ve had to come up with a pseudonym – which is Geoff Hayes, So if you see anything in that name from them – ’twas I.
13th July 2020
What’s been happening this last month? Well I haven’t been playing in any of my ensembles – we still await the government’s decision to let us resume playing.
Workwise: I finally finished the work on Alan Menken’s ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (three movements from it) and have sent it to Switzerland so the band can have a look at it courtesy of Musikverlag Frank. Can’t see why they wouldn’t like what I’ve done, but we shall wait and see, but what a massive piece of work that was! I’ve also finished all the Songs from Dan Callow at Onelife Music’s new album – Songs for the Journey – and have also set out the vocal part for his new ‘Mass of Thanksgiving’, which is now with the Vatican for the ok so that I can exand it for piano as well.
Hoping to get back to work on ‘Lorna Doone’ soon – and am delighted to hear that the National Trust have purchased Doone Valley! Maybe I can work on it with them as an added attraction. Still struggling to find a script to work with though. I had hoped I could use the one from last year’s production at the Valley of Rocks by the Pleasure Dome Theatre Company, but this doesn’t seem to be possible as things stand. I did find another script, but it’s brief to say the least. Still plowing on with the book, but the language makes it hard to read.
9th June 2020
I didn’t expect this virus situation to be quite such a disaster for all live music. I haven’t played in an ensemble of any sort since March 15th now – and that’s far too long. There’s no end in sight as it stands, but I’m keeping in touch with musical friends in all the ensembles I’m in, albeit on Facebook. There’s been some pretty cool ‘virtual’ performances to see on line – and I saw that the cancelled Whit Friday March Contest was ‘held’ (hosted by my favourite band – Foden’s) by bands submitting videos of them playing the set marches – all recorded individually and then put together as an ensemble performance – brilliant.
Lots of positives to keep your spirits up – and I’m still being kept really busy with requests for arrangements and transcriptions, although I’m not entirely sure when any of my recent work is going to be able to be performed….!
4th April 2020
It’s strange how things work out – especially with this coronavirus issue. People are being forced to work from home, some are losing their jobs, musicians are having all their gigs cancelled, but here at Dance is With Music, by some strange quirk of fate, we’re busier than ever!
I’ve been swamped with requests for arrangements from both Musikverlag Frank and other customers – including One Life Music, and have a couple of other customers also wanting work done. I’ve never been so busy! It’s weird isn’t it?
I’m defintely not complaining though – bring it on. I work from home in any case as you know, and I’m fully able to do what I’ve been asked to provide. Work on my musical Lorna Doone might just have to take a back seat for a while, but at least I’ve started it and have a good idea of where I’m going with it.
As of today, my output so far is: 41 original compositions, 120 arrangements for wind band, brass band or brass quintet, 84 transcriptions either for wind band or brass band, or for smaller ensembles, and 80+ pieces for One Life Music! If you add to this other work for individual bands – including SW Comms Band, That’s a total of over 300 pieces out there! I must be doing something right!
16th March 2020
Despite all the commotion and scare mongering going on over the Coronavirus pandemic, SW Comms Band braved the worst and made the decision after a proper vote to take part in the Regional brass band contest in Torquay on Sunday 15th March.
It was an absolute delight to play on Timpani with SW Comms Band in the Championship Section. I’ve now played in all the sections with this fantastic band on instruments ranging from Soprano Cornet to BBb Bass and including percussion. To finally play in the Championship Section was an achievement I never thought would happen for me – it’s another tick on my bucket list and I’m well chuffed. To learn that despite being against some awesome top bands we didn’t come last made the day even better! Not a bad achievement for a 130 year old Devon village band I would say.
I first contested with this band on 2nd Horn aged 13 – then The Topsham and Lympstone Silver Band – in 1971 in Paignton with Les Jennings conducting, David Adams on Principal Cornet, Edgar Norton (a true Lympstonian) on Solo Horn, and Alan Price on Solo Euphonium. That’s 49 years ago! How things have moved on. With conductors like Peter Betley, Brian Kelloway, and latterly Charlie Fleming – who managed to get the band up to the 1st Section, followed by Chris Spreadbury, David Shead and Richard Harvey – and now with Sam Hairsine at the helm, the band has made huge progress musically, and with the generous financial support they receive from the South West Communications Group from whom they take their name, who knows what the future may hold.
25th January 2020
Well that didn’t last long did it? Here in my first post of 2020 I have news for you all. No doubt you’ll recall that I left Glastonbury Brass last October and stated I was going to concentrate on orchestral work? Well I have indeed been doing that, although it has been a bit of a slow start for a number of non-musical reasons. Here at the start of 2020 however, I have had several brass bands asking if I would like to play for them at the Regional Contest next March as they’ve heard that I’m not playing with any one else! I’ve resisted these requests, but when asked if I’d like to compete in the Championship Section with the newly promoted SW Comms Band – my true banding home
– it didn’t take long for me to decide that it would be the right move. As you know, my history with this band dates back to 1971 when I first joined them on 2nd horn, but my more recent memberships between 1996 and 2015 saw them promoted up the rankings from the 4th Section to the 1st Section. Now that they have been promoted to the Championship Section – the first brass band from Devon ever to achieve this, I’ve started playing with them on percussion (timpani), but will be sitting at the back on EEb bass after the contest and onwards.
To top all of that, my first concert with them was on 25th January 2020 when the senior band and it’s 40-strong training band played to a packed house in their very own concert venue/band room in the heart of Lympstone. Fabulous sounds from all.
Huge congratulations to Roger Riggs the MD of the training band for his committment. To think that I played a part, however small, in making this all happen over the years of my being Band Secretary when Charlie Fleming was the MD, and latterly resurrecting what is now Lympstone Academy Brass, makes me feel hugely proud. What a fantasic achievement by everyone concerned. Special thanks go to the senior band’s MD Sam Hairsine who took the trouble to meet with the members of the Lympstone Academy Brass and sing their praises before they opened the concert. It just feels right, and I hope after my six week ‘probabtionary’ period that band members vote me in as a full time player. It fits in really well with my orchestral work as rehearsals are on Monday and Thursday evenings, so Exeter Symphony Orchestra being on a Tuesday means they won’t clash – at least not very often!
16th December 2019
I’ve played with a Taunton based brass quintet at a couple of Christmas concerts at King’s College this week – deputising for their normal tuba player. A very high standard brass quintet in evidence (including the head of Somerset Music Service – no pressure then!) There was plenty to play, and some quite different stuff on offer.
Following that, I’ve also performed at two more carol services with Resonate Brass – one at St John’s Church in Torquay, which was interesting, and then our annual pilgrimage to Kenn Parish Church yesterday evening, which was hilarious for all the wrong reasons! Four carol services in four days – that has to be a record for me! Just one more on Monday 23rd December in Taunton and that’s it for 2019 – a year I will not be too disappointed to see the back of.
After a brief conversation with Peter Frank at Musikverlag Frank it seems there’s more commissions heading my way soon, so hopefully I’ll be gainfully employed with that. Roll on 2020! I’ll be concentrating solely on music work from now on – a proper professional. It’s way past time I did that anyway, and I’m not getting any younger.
7th December 2019
At short notice (thanks Pete) I played at a concert by Ottery St Mary Choral Society under the baton of Malcolm Matthews. Featuring the Rutter ‘Gloria’, the event was basically a carol service featuring a brass ensemble – lots of familiar faces there – including four from Exeter Symphony Orchestra and Resonate Brass.
One item just slightly caught me out: a Gabrielli ‘Canzon’ which was just a tad tricky in places! Good times, though – it reminded me of the Gabrielli event back 2018 in Tisbury with the Cherubim Music Trust.
30th November 2019
A sad, yet memorable occasion as Exeter Symphony Orchestra played what was the last concert to be directed by their Maestro of the past 15 years – Brian Northcott. An interesting mix of music was on the programme: Elgar’s Cello Concerto, the Shostakovitch Festive Overture, and Arnold Bax’s 4th Symphony – all a little tricky in their own way, but nevertheless most satisfying to perform.
I think we gave Brian a good send off – he was visibly moved to tears after the concert ended, but managed to come back to receive the acclaim I feel he richly deserved.
The orchestra now has a break until after Christmas, when it will be the turn of Arturo Serna – the new MD – to move the orchestra forward. I think the orchesrta owes Brian a huge debt of gratitude for his years of service.
19th November 2019
It’s our 8th Wedding Anniverary today – and yes, I did remember to buy a card! Something to bring good cheer on a day otherwise filled with frustration and anger. The DVLA in their wisdom have refused to renew my driving licence on the grounds that ‘the medication I’m taking is causing side effects that are likely to impact on road safety’. Umm…I’ve been taking them for years without them causing any such symptoms – and it definitely was not them which caused the blackout last year!
And don’t get me started on the kitchen saga. Well, ok then. It’s all ripped out ready for the plasterer tomorrow – a huge amount of work done by Catherine and I over the last few days, and the chap (I won’t mention his name) who was coming to ‘help me rip it out’ (he hasn’t) and was going to get the worktops and sort the radiator, plumbing etc (he hasn’t) announces he’s coming today ‘to fit the new kitchen’ (he didn’t) now says I’ve cost him money as he ‘hasn’t got any work this week now’ and starts sending me foul texts. Guess who I’m not going to be recommending any time soon. Sorry – rant over.
On a positive note: the new teeth are brilliant and aren’t going to impact on my playing in a bad way. Just feels a bit strange as you can’t ‘feel’ them as you would real teeth as they don’t have nerve endings. Very odd. I enjoyed a fun but freezing cold rehearsal with Resonate Brass last evening.
6th November 2019
I’m pleased to report that the work has been done on my teeth – and such is the quality of the work (can’t praise them highly enough) that you can’t really tell the difference. I’m still just as picturesque! I didn’t get round to trying out the tuba whilst toothless, but am confident that I’ll be fine once it’s all settled down. I’m back at Exeter Symphony Orchestra next week ahead of Brian Northcott’s farewell concert later this month, and then there’s the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony No. 3 with the Isca Ensemble in Sidmouth before that. There’s two or three gigs with Resonate Brass coming up, so here’s hoping it’s as good as it looks. I’ll be helping my good friends at Tiverton Town Band out this Remembrance Sunday on Side Drum on parade.
22nd October 2019
Two posts in the same month? Things must be looking up! I’ve just received the latest batch of transcription work from Musikverlag-frank (MF Publications), and will be getting on with those this week. On that ‘note’, MF are going to be sending me loads of copies of my published works so that I can sell them direct either through this website (might take me a while to set that up) or from my events stall, so I’m looking forward to that. You may have noticed the new look front page to my website, and the inclusion of a page for Once Loved Musical Items – the business set up and run by my good friend Steve Herbert. I’m delighted to support Steve in this way, and hope to see you all at the next Advanced Wind Band Day
As for any tuba playing recently, well that was brought to a complete standstill after Exeter Symphony Orchestra a couple of weeks back, when one of my bottom front teeth decided to call it a day halfway through a BLT sandwich on the way home. I knew it was loose, but I wasn’t expecting it to actually fall out! As it happens I’d already been to see my dentist about it, and have since had the other very loose but quite stubborn tooth next to it removed. Now I’m awaiting the construction of some new ‘teeth’ to go in the gap, which are being fitted on 4th November. Haven’t tried to play the tuba since, but might just try it now that it’s all settled down a bit, and see if not having those teeth makes any difference.
10th August 2019
Some big news just in: Musikverlag Frank are going to publish my work ‘Soar!’. Written for HM Royal Marines Band Service composing competition of the same name back in 2008, the work has been extensively re-worked, and I’m finally happy with it! Hopefully there’ll be a recording of it soon, so you’ll be able to hear it properly rather than as a Sibelius sound file.
I’ve been waiting for this for a few years now, but it’s finally happening. Big plans for it once published, and huge thanks to Charlie Fleming and Colin Parker who propped me up at the start. You don’t know how much that meant to me, and I can’t adequately show you. With any luck I can persuade HM Royal Marines Band CTCRM Lympstone to play it for me at an Exmouth concert later this year.
11th July 2019
Six months into the year – can’t be possible can it? Not long now until I can have my driving licence back, and it has been nothing short of a nightmare not being able to drive I can tell you. My duty Chaufeur Catherine has been fantastic!
I had the honour of playing drums at Exeter University Great Hall for the Riverside Schools event on Friday 5th July. Great stuff from all concerned – and huge thanks to Paul Painter and Debbie Kent from Devon Music Education Hub for putting on such a great event for the children.
Another brilliant concert by Exeter Symphony Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral just gone, and it was a true test for the orchestra and singers to perform Sir Edward Elgars’ ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ to a packed cathedral – who gave us a standing ovation. One slight snag: my nose started to bleed five minutes before we started, but thankfully the ladies in the double bass section were on hand with tissues and I didn’t miss any of it. Slightly worrying, though, is that I’ve now had several nose bleeds since, but not for the last two days, so I hope it was just the weather…!
24th June 2019
What a few weeks I’ve had! After recovering from Tchaikovsky a couple of weeks back, it was down to serious rehearsals for the Glastonbury Brass concert in Cirencester on 22nd June – and what a massive concert it turned out to be. Billed as ‘Classic Brass’ – it was certainly that. It was a huge blow for all concerned, especially when competing with a church organ with all stops out in the Finale from Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony. What with that and two test pieces (Suite Gothique and Force of Destiny) not to mention Peter Graham’s ‘Ad Optimum, it was hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed myself – apart from having a near melt-down after the afternoon rehearsal not being able to deal with the neck of certain members of the band. Thankfully, a couple of sherberts and a pizza later, 
I was back on an even keel for the concert.
Now it’s all hands on deck for Sir Edward Elgar’s ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ in Exeter Cathedral with Exeter Symphony Orchestra next Saturday – with only one rehearsal. What could possibly go wrong (he says looking nervously at his ill-fated EEb tuba…)?
No work for a couple of months from Musikverlag Frank, and then an email with 19 pieces for transcription from wind band to brass band or vise-versa. And there I was hoping for a rest! Devon Schools Mix with Devon Music Education Hub next Wednesday at Dartington Hall too. I’ll be in the ‘Have a Go’ zone. Again!
8th June 2019
Another concert with the Isca Ensemble this evening: featuring Symphony No. 4 by Tchaikovsky. Fantastic piece, and the first 40 bars of the final movement would have been even better had my tuba not decided to thwart my best efforts. The fourth valve suddenly jammed (something to do with the stem being not quite straight I think) and it took me what seemed like an age to fix it it. Sorting it out in plenty of time for the rest of the final movement, I decided it was probably time for a ‘proper’ tuba in the near future, and played the rest of the piece without using the fourth valve. I was not best pleased.
1st May 2019
I really must post on my website more often! The trouble is I’m running around like a headless chicken (can I say that publicly these days?) with my musical commitments, and cramming in as much music writing as possible. MF Publications keep me busy, and I’ve finally decided on a theme for my long-awaited musical. With my proximity to the West Somerset Railway here in Bishops Lydeard, and with the Clifton Suspension Bridge not a million miles away, it seemed appropriate to focus on a local theme which also had national importance, so, a musical based (loosely) on the life and times of Isambard Kingdom Brunel seemed like a good idea. I’ve bought a book about his life, and he seems to have been a colourful character. However, R D Blackmore’s Lorna Doone story, as it’s set up the road from here on Exmoor, has drawn me in since my childhood, and it seems a fitting story to be a new musical, so I’m going with that. It’s also the 150th Anniversary of the book here in 2019, so it’s perfect!
19th March 2019
Today marks 10 years since I retired from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, and I’m wondering how I ever found time to be a policeman with all my musical activities! I certainly couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) find time now. There are several notable old colleagues who used to constantly bemoan members of the Band of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary for their absence from front line duties, but at least we were in uniform representing the force in public not only within the force area, but nationally, and sometimes internationally, and not whilst wearing rugby or football shirts. Getting of my high horse now, but it was that constant attitude that forced me to leave the band before I really wanted to, and I now regret that decision and would have rather stayed until the band was ‘disbanded’ by the then Chief Constable Maria Wallace. What a disgraceful decision that was.
Up to date then, and what a weekend Glastonbury Brass had in Torquay at the WEBBA Regional Contest! Against the odds off a ‘no. 1 draw’, the band was placed a highly creditable 3rd in the 1st Section, and with Michelmersh Silver and SW Comms Band being promoted to the Championship Section, Glastonbury now sit proudly at the very top of the 1st Section in the West of England region, and stand every chance of being promoted in 2020 if they maintain, or better still, improve their current standard. Whilst being delighted that my old band SW Comms (Lympstone) have finally managed Championship status, and I wish them every success there, it was gratifying to have beaten them on the day – they were in 5th place, but go up on points with the last three years placings counting.
I’ve now also played tuba at two concerts with the Isca Ensemble (SouthWest) under the baton of Roger Hendy, and I am impressed by the high standard of the orchestra. The concert on 16th March amidst the pouring rain in Sidmouth featured the Shostakovitch Symphony No. 1 together with works by William Walton (Spitfire Prelude and Fugue), Weber (Clarinet Concerto) and the ‘Rienzi ‘ Overture by Richard Wagner, and it was a joy to play with them, and we were treated to a fantastic buffet nearby too!
4th February 2019
A whole month into the new year, and still only a single blog post! It must be because I’m so busy writing music that I simply haven’t found the time. As it happens, I have been rather busy as I said in January, but I’m all caught up with those projects so far, and am just waiting for the next batch of songs from Dan Callow at One Life Music and transcriptions from Musikverlag Frank. They’re keeping me busy!
Just looking at how much work I’ve actually done in writing music, and there are 105 published arrangements, 38 original compositions, 49 published transcriptions – plus the new ‘Discovery’ and ‘Flex 5’ work I’m doing for MF. Add to that over 50 songs for Dan Callow at One Life and that adds up to a significant amount of work out there with (or without!) my name on it.
I’m working hard on ‘Symphony of Marches’ with Glastonbury Brass for the Areas in March, and looking at the state of play in the 1st Section, SW Comms (Lympstone) would have to have a complete disaster not to be promoted (yay!) to the Championship Section for the first time in their history. There are a lot of bands in the middle on similar points though, and a bad result could result in any of them (including Glastonbury Brass) being relegated to the 2nd Section.
3rd January 2019
Happy New Year to you all! We’ve had a much busier Christmas than we had at first thought we would, but it’s been lovely having a house full of people! Here we are in January, though, and I’m back down to Earth with a bang!
I’ve 35 pocket trumpets for routine maintenance from Devon Music Education Hub, a new album of songs for Dan Callow at One Life Music to arrange, and several new transcriptions for Musikverlag Frank all needing my time. I’m really looking forward to the years’ concerts and contests with Glastonbury Brass this year, and I’m especially looking forward to performing Bela Bartok’s ‘Concerto for Orchestra’ with Exeter Symphony Orchestra in March. It will remind of my time studying it for my A Level music back in 1975, and thinking that I’d never be able to play something like it!
With so many good things happening in my musical world, it’s hard to remember that it will be ten years since I retired from the the police service in March. 😢
