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I started learning to play the drums in January 2001 at my primary school. I was asked if I would like to play percussion with the

Sidmouth Youth & Training Band in September of that year. In

September 2003 I became 3rd percussion in the Senior Band and continued in that position for the Summer Concerts in 2004.

By Spring 2005 both of our other percussionists had left, leaving me in the position of 1st percussion – a challenge which I am really enjoying. I was delighted to be awarded the President’s Cup by Maurice Gooding in December 2007. My supporters at the Summer Concerts include my grandparents, my dog Meg and ‘roadies’ Mum and Dad.

I also enjoy cycling, walking, swimming and body boarding and I am currently at Exeter University.

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Jen joined the band in a social capacity long before being

reluctantly press-ganged into playing 2nd percussion for the

National finals in Harrogate in 2006. Under the influence of

additional pints she was subsequently brainwashed into becoming

a full-time member. Despite her background as neither a brass

player nor a percussionist she enjoys clanking and rattling away

at the back of the band but nurtures a secret hope that Adrian will eventually let her play 'Gabriel's Oboe' in its original orchestration.

She was delighted to receive an award for "Most Improved Player" in 2007 in recognition of her natural flair for shaking a tambourine and managing not to drop a cymbal during quiet passages.

Following a stretch of anonymity Jen is pleased to have finally found this picture that uniquely captures the intense concentration and alertness crucial to the successful percussionist.

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I am a student at Sidmouth College and a keen musician. I

joined the Town Band to further my performance experience

and to be part of a successful band that plays great music. I

play drum kit and a range of tuned percussion and the piano

and have just started learning the cornet as a completely new

challenge! My band team members have inspired me to try

something different. I am also the Percussion Section Principle for the Exeter Children’s Orchestra and a pupil at South West Music School. It is my ambition to train to be a professional musician. I enjoy a wide variety of music including classical, concert and film and of course brass band ensembles!

The Sidmouth Town Band has been so welcoming and supportive and as the youngest new player I am really enjoying my time with them and hope to stay for many years. I am gaining great new and exciting musical experiences and I am learning so much from this.

I have a bit of a life outside of music that includes playing rugby and tennis. My best band memory so far (and I hope to have many in the years to come) has been taking part in The National Brass Band Competition in Cheltenham in September 2011 where we achieved sixth place. We all worked so hard for that recognition and I was very proud to be part of the team.

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