This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Successful brass bander takes the baton for Brackley & District band
04/01/2023
Dave Howard has taken over as conductor as the band heads into its 50th anniversary year
Brackley & District Band have appointed a new conductor as they head into their 50th anniversary year. Dave Howard has been working with the band over the last couple of months.
Mr Howard is a fourth generation “brass bander” who started playing cornet with Cwmbran Band in South Wales at the age of 6. He’s held the position of principal baritone in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
A sabbatical from his work as a sound engineer for the BBC in the 1980s allowed Mr Howard to create a weekly radio programme called “Sounding Brass” and to re-start of the Radio Wales Brass Band of the Year Competition.
Under his Chairmanship a brass band in Cardiff grew, adding additional sections including training and championship section bands.
Having retired, Mr Howard recently moved to Towcester to be closer to family. Banding is now his main occupation and as well as playing bass at Towcester Studio Band, he is very excited to be conducting again.
Brackley & District Band received a lot of positive feedback following their recent Christmas Concert, where Mr Howard took the baton, so they were delighted when he agreed to continue with them officially.
Funding from The Midcounties Co-operative Community Fund has enabled the band to refurbish a number of its instruments meaning they are now looking to recruit new players.
The Band rehearses on Fridays between 7.45pm and 9.45pm at their own Band Club in the centre of Brackley. On Friday 13 they are hosting an “Open Rehearsal” where anyone can go along, meet the Band and find out more about what they do.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam