Karl joined Camborne in January 2009, having previously played for Mount Charles Youth and Senior Bands. However, he was no stanger to Camborne, having played for the 2008 Last Night of the Proms at Camborne School and the 2008 Scottish Open in the bands performance of 'St Magnus'. He also helped Camborne Youth with the recording of their latest CD, '10 Years On'. He has played at many high profile contests with Mount Charles, including the Nationals Finals, the English Nationals and the Grand Shield and this wealth of experience makes him an excellent addition to the percussion team of Camborne Town Band.
Percussion - Rory Abbott
Rory began learning the drums with Steve Weeks (an ex-member of Camborne Town Band) at the age of six. He joined the Youth Band when he was seven and went on to become a member of the 'B' Band a few years later. Rory has played in six winning performances at the National Youth Championships and competed in two National Finals with the 'B' Band. Rory's first contest with the Senior Band was the 2007 Scottish Open and since then he has played for Yeovil 2008, a BBC 'Listen to the Band' recording and the 2008 Spring Festival before becoming a full-time member in July 2008.
Percussion - Jeremy Taylor
Jeremy began piano lessons at the age of 7 and two years later took up the trombone with Camborne Youth Band. He also started playing percussion in 2001 and in 2005, became principal percussionist with Camborne Town Band at the age of 15. Jeremy studied for his A Levels at Helston Community College and after completing them, worked as a Technician in the Music Department. Also Musical Director of the college's senior choir, he led them to first place and an outstanding performance award at the 2009 Cornwall Music Festival. In his time there, he also played for Helston School Jazz Orchestra, Penzance Youth Wind Band, Cornwall Youth Percussion Ensemble, Cornwall Symphonic Brass, Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra and the Cornwall Youth Orchestra. Jeremy has played in six winning performances at the National Youth Brass Band Championships and won the 'Best Instrumentalist' award there for two consecutive years. In September 2009, Jeremy began studying for a BMus degree at the Cardiff University School of Music, however, plans to return to Cornwall whenever possible to perform with Camborne Town Band.
Percussion - Ben Vleminckx
Ben started to play drum kit at the age of 13. He became a big part of musical life at Helston School through different ensembles including the award winning Helston School Jazz Orchestra. He joined Helston Town Band in the summer of 2005 and the Cornwall Youth Percussion Ensemble in September 2006. In September 2008 he joined the Royal Marines Band Service after a successful audition in early July where he was offered a position; one of three in country. Successfully completing his military training he discovered that the military lifestyle wasn’t for him and left in early December. Ben joined Camborne in January 2009, however, is now studying for a BA in Music at Bath Spa University.
Percussion - Helen Buist
Helen started playing percussion with Mount Charles Youth Band and soon progressed to the Senior Band where she played for many years as well as being a member of Cornwall Youth Brass Band. We are delighted that, after a few years concentrating on her career, she has decided to return to playing with Camborne Town Band. Her husband, Ross, and brother-in-law, Barry, also play for Camborne.
Percussion - Nigel Chadd
Nigel commenced playing at Bude in 1977 and after a couple of years he moved to Launceston where his father, Nick Chadd, was Musical Director. He joined Camborne in 1994 and played regularly until April 2004 but still returns to play whenever possible. Nigel said that two events stand out in his memory; the 'Cry of the Celts' concert and the Pendennis Castle concert at the time of the Tall Ships event.
Barry started playing with Illogan Sparnon Band when he was 9. A former pupil of Albert Chappell, Barry was also a member of the Cornwall Youth Band. At the age of 12 he became solo trombone of Redruth Town Band which was in the Championship Section. He stayed with Redruth for ten years before moving to Mount Charles Band for three years. After a two year break from banding to spend time with his family, he joined Lanner and District Silver Band for five years. In this period the band progressed from 2nd Section to Championship status. He joined Camborne Town Band in November 2006. Barry is married with 4 children; Layla, Ewan, Millie & Lucie and works for Falmouth Harbour Commissioners as Leisure Services Manager.
Second Trombone - Nick Abbott
From humble beginnings with Appledore band at the age of 10, Nick made the meteoric leap to Camborne as the band's solo trombone player in 2001 before moving to second in 2006. Nick is a Chartered tax advisor and his wife and three children are also heavily involved with the Junior Band, 'B' Band, Youth Band, and Senior Band. Nick is currently the band's Registration Secretary.
Bass Trombone - Neil Murley
Neil has been playing for 30 years, having played in various bands including Hayle, Redruth, Penzance and Cornwall Youth. Another former pupil of Albert Chappell, Neil is a fully accomplished musician on a range of instruments including the electric organ, drums, alto saxophone and didgeridoo! Neil plays his organ at a range of functions including wedding receptions, dinner dances, and so on, and is available to book for all events - call 07921218448. He joined Camborne in 2003 but when not playing in the band, Neil is an auto technician and garage owner, and hopes to learn to fly in the future.
Robert started playing at the age of seven and was taught by Albert Chappell and Steve Sykes. After three years he joined the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and held the Principal Euphonium position for six courses. He won the Junior and Senior Soloist Awards at the age of fifteen and became the Junior Slow Melody Champion of Great Britain. He retained this title the following year and was also Radio Cornwall's Musician of the Year. Rob played with Camborne Youth, Hayle, Redruth and Mount Charles before joining Camborne Town on Solo Euphonium in 2000. He has successfully competed in all major music festivals and soloist contests throughout the country and played in many of the best concert venues including the London Barbican, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Albert Hall where he enjoyed playing with Camborne and the National Youth Band in the Henry Wood Promenade Concert.
Second Euphonium - Richard Hawkey
Richard started playing at the age of 5 with St Austell Youth Band on cornet. He progressed onto horn, baritone, and then euphonium, with a brief spell on Eb bass, with St Dennis Youth and Mount Charles Youth, before settling back onto Solo Euphonium with St Austell Youth Band. Richard progressed into the Kernow Band when he was 14 years old, and won the award for best instrumentalist at Bugle Contest 2 years running with the youth band. At the age of 18, Richard accepted the position of Solo Euphonium with the St Dennis Band and the Cornwall Youth Brass Band whilst studying for his degree in Business at the University of Plymouth. He joined Bodmin Town Band in April 2005 on Solo Euphonium and also spent 18 months on Solo Eb Bass, before joining Camborne in July 2008. Outside of band, Richard is the Affordable Housing Officer for Restormel.
First Baritone - Gavin Knowles
Gavin began his playing career in 1993 with Camborne Youth Band and has recently returned to his roots at Camborne Town Band after a few years playing for Bodmin Town. In 1996 he was awarded the Albert Chappell Memorial Shield for his talents, becoming the first and only baritone player to have won it. During the day Gavin works in Payroll at a local hospital.
Second Baritone - Ross Buist
Ross began playing at the age of 8 with Illogan Sparnon Band on cornet. After a few years he joined Redruth Town Band, and was also a member of the Cornwall Youth Band. He moved to tenor horn after advice from Albert Chappell, who was his tutor at the time, and quickly progressed to solo horn. After 10 years with Redruth, Ross joined Mount Charles Band. During his time with both Redruth and Mount Charles, he also played 1st baritone, euphonium and Eb bass when required. Taking a break from banding, he spent 5 years building his business, briefly helping Penzance and Lanner Bands. Ross joined Camborne Town Band in December 2006 and is glad to be back in banding with is wife, Helen, and brother, Barry, who are also members of the band.
Andrew has been described by Frank Renton as one of the young lions of the band. He's not really sure what this means but thinks it could be because he is usually in the midst of the fun. His musical career began with Carharrack & St Day in 1988 at the age of six from where he moved to Camborne Youth and then to Redruth Town where he was Principal Cornet. He joined Camborne Town Band in 1998, initially playing cornet, taking the Principal role for a while, but now has a reputation as a fine flugel player and soloist. Andrew is a primary school teacher and is currently the band's Librarian.
Solo Horn - Mark Letcher
Mark commenced playing at Lostwithiel Youth Band when he was eight years old and moved to Bodmin Town Band in 1984. Having spent twenty years at Bodmin, initially on cornet and then on tenor horn where he won many awards, Mark moved to Camborne in 2004. He has been crowned the best tenor horn of the day at Bugle on many occasions and as an established soloist, is often featured in the band's concert programmes.
First Horn - Wayne Brown
Wayne began playing at the age of ten, in 1970, with Lanner & District. He moved to Camborne in 1981 and has played there ever since - on cornet and flugel before moving to tenor horn in 1998. His wife, Sue, plays for Pendennis Brass and their children, Matthew and Emily, both play cornet in the Junior, Youth and 'B' Bands. He has played in three hat-tricks of wins at Bugle and in fifteen Albert Hall appearances including the 1982 performance when the band took fourth place. With over twenty five years service, he is one of the longest serving members in the band's history.
Second Horn - David Pascoe
David is a very experienced horn player, having played for many bands throughout Cornwall. Previous to joining Camborne in 2007, he was the solo horn player of Lanner and District Silver Band. As a Cornish Freemason, David holds the position of solo horn with the Cornish Brassonic Ensemble which is directed by ex-Camborne Town Band and current Royal Marine percussionist, Philip Trudgeon.
Les started playing at the age of 5 with Hayle Town Band on 3rd cornet. He soon progressed to 2nd but after being told he was too loud by the conductor, Chris Harris, he was put on soprano at the age of 6. When he was 12 he moved to Lanner and District Silver Band on soprano although he had a couple of stints on principal cornet. He was also a member of Cornwall Youth Band for seven years; eventually progressing to first soprano cornet. After a three year break from banding, Les returned to Lanner in 2003 under Stuart Chappell who left in early 2006. He joined Camborne Town Band in time for the 2006 National Finals. Les won 'Best Soprano of the Day' at Bugle Contest in 2006 with Bodmin and in 2007 with Camborne.
Repiano Cornet - Joanna Rowe
Jo began playing at the age of 12 with St Breward Silver Band on 3rd cornet and shortly after moving to solo cornet, she joined the Cornwall Youth Brass Band. In 2006 Jo became a solo cornet player with the St Dennis Youth and Senior Bands and in her time at St Dennis also became Principle Cornet of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band where she played under such conductors as Elgar Howarth, Stephen Cobb and Garry Cutt. Jo also played solo cornet with the 2007 European Youth Brass Band under the batons of Ian Porthouse and Major Peter Parkes, performing at Symphony Hall in Birmingham. After two years with St Dennis, Jo made the move to Camborne and is due to start her new job in September 2008, working with young children in a local pre-school.
Second Cornet - Chris Netherton
A product of Indian Queens Band, Chris played with St Austell for a few years before making the move to Camborne in 1993. He played in the Cornwall Youth Brass Band for four years and toured Austria under Derek Greenwood. Although he had a brief spell on solo cornet with the band, he prefers his role as the anchor man of the back row. Chris is a Quantity Surveyor for a national building firm.
Second Cornet - Jess Tredrea
Jess is a product of our very own Youth Band. She was taught by Alan Pope and, as Principal Cornet, has already lead the Youth Band to six consecutive National titles, and the 'B' Band to the National Finals, followed by promotion to the Third Section. Jess won a best player award in 2004 playing 'Lydian Pictures' at the annual CBBA Championships. She is also a member of Cornwall Youth Brass Band and The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and was invited to play for the 2009 European Youth Brass Band.
Third Cornet - Roland Woods
A graduate of the Welsh College of Music and Drama and former music teacher, Roland started banding at the age of 10. He has played for Penzance, Porthleven, Lanner and Cornwall Youth Brass Band, playing in most cornet positions, including soprano, as well as flugel horn. Roland joined Camborne in January 2007, spending 6 months on solo cornet whilst waiting for a vacancy in his preferred position on the back row.
Third Cornet - Jo Ryder-Pollard
Jo comes from a banding family and joined a number of her relatives at Redruth Town when she was nine years old. Following short periods with Bodmin Town and St Dennis Silver, she joined Camborne in 1995 and, apart from some breaks for other commitments, has been there ever since. Her daughters, Jasmine and Emily, also play cornet for Camborne in the Youth and 'B' Bands. Jo is an excellent utility player who can find herself on almost any seat in the cornet section.
Kayleigh started playing at the age of seven with St Dennis Band. She held the principal cornet position in their Senior and Youth Bands, leading them both to many contest wins; the latest being the National 2nd Section Final. Having won many ‘Best Soloist/Player’ prizes with St Dennis, she has also had many solo contest successes. Kayleigh was also principal cornet of Cornwall Youth Brass Band and a member of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. In March 2006 she passed her ABRSM Grade 8 Exam and is now looking forward to many happy banding years with Camborne Town Band.
Solo Cornet - Mark Leigh
Having started with Carharrack & St Day at the age of seven, in 1983, Mark moved via Lanner and Bodmin Town to Camborne in 1993. After a couple of years back at Bodmin he returned to Camborne in 2001. He has been Principal Cornet of Cornwall Youth Brass Band and narrowly missed becoming Principal Cornet of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain when a second audition placed him in second position. He suffers from mild asthma which the breathing techniques required in playing a brass instrument helps him to control. Mark is a Senior Officer in the Health Service.
Solo Cornet - Paul Saggers
Paul began playing at the age of 12 with Newquay Town Band on 3rd cornet but soon worked his way up to solo cornet. In 1999 he joined the Cornwall Youth Brass Band directed by Chris North and through this connection he then joined the St Austell Youth Band. In 2000 he joined St Austell Town Band where he played solo cornet and had a brief spell on principal cornet. In 2005 Paul moved away from Cornwall to Manchester and joined the EYMS Band under Gareth Pritchard. Upon his return he played with St Austell for another year. Paul moved to Camborne in August 2006 and is also currently a member of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band & Barclay Brass; a band made up solely of Barclays Bank employees.
Solo Cornet - Chloe Abbott
Chloe was promoted from the Youth and 'B' Bands in 2007 and after a spell on repiano, moved to the front row in July 2008. As Principal Cornet of the 'B' Band, in 2007 she lead them to become West of England Third Section Champions, a 4th place at the National Finals in Harrogate and promotion to the Second Section. Chloe was also part of four winning performances at the National Youth Championships and has had many solo contest successes throughout Cornwall and further afield. Chloe is also a member of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and her parents and two brothers are also heavily involved with Camborne Town Band Music Society.
The Euphonium & Baritone Section - Anonymous Sponsor
The Trombone Section - Sponsored by Mr. David Roberts OBE
E Flat Bass - Lee Trewhella
Lee started playing at the age of five on Eb bass with Breage and District Silver. He transferred to Helston before attending university and playing with the Nottingham City Transport Band, Horsham Band on principal euphonium, and Desford where he took part in the 1997 British Open. He returned to Cornwall in 2001 and played with St Keverne before joining Camborne Town Band.
E Flat Bass - Graham Barker
Graham had previously played for Indian Queens, St Austell and Mount Charles when he moved to Camborne in 1992. Initially he played cornet but soon transferred to tenor horn where he won many special awards. He began a conducting career at Indian Queens and when he was appointed Bandmaster at Camborne he managed to combine this with the role of solo horn. He decided to concentrate on conducting and was appointed Musical Director in October 2004 - his last playing engagement as solo horn was at the Goff Richard's 60th celebration concert on the 6th November 2004. Graham stepped down as Musical Director in March 2005 and after a couple of years back at Mount Charles, he returned to Camborne on E flat bass.
B Flat Bass - James Sturges
James started off playing the cornet at the age of 8 and joined the St. Keverne Youth Band on 3rd cornet at the age of 11. He was briefly on repiano before moving onto 2nd euphonium when he was 14. After holding the solo euphonium position at St. Keverne as well as more recently playing Bb bass, he made the move to Camborne in 2006. James is a primary school teacher with music as his specialist subject.
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