STB - Baritones

entertaining devon and beyond since 1862

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I come from Ilminster in Somerset, and started playing

when I was seven years old with the Chard Band. I joined Sidmouth a few years later and have spent time as both chairman and contest secretary over the years.

I started playing the baritone at school when I was 9, and joined

the junior band soon after that. I moved up to the senior band a

year later, completing my first summer season of concerts at the

Connaught Gardens in 1995. I enjoy playing baritone as I can hide

easily – although I love playing, I don’t like to be heard, and I don’t

‘do’ solos!

I am currently in charge of researching the history of the band as we approach our 150th year, and it is interesting to see that 150 years on, some things about the band haven’t changed!

I am a teacher at Okehampton Primary School, where I teach 7-9 year olds. I also teach two recorder groups, but I definitely prefer brass to recorder!! I am well known for always being prepared, carrying a handbag that contains everything you could ever need.

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Like many players of my generation, I first learnt to play a brass

instrument with the Salvation Army. Like so many of my peers

I left in my mid-teens and the allurement of rugby - split lips,

broken bones and missing teeth - was more appealing. When

we moved to Ottery, my dear wife (see Sally - Cornets)

dropped into a conversation that I could play trombone and was invited to join Ottery St Mary Silver Band, and still enjoy playing with them. A late change of heart and I was amongst the supporters of Sidmouth for their successful trip to Harrogate. The idea of attending a contest left me cold - but I quickly became consumed by the occasion and excitement. Ian Harbour (our flugel player Esther’s husband and stand-in contest percussionist) was a great inspiration and challenged me to join the band. Thank you Ian - I have been tolerated for the last year or so and look forward to learning how to triple tongue. The day job is working for an Exeter based estate agent.