Director of Music, Paul Speed
Paul has been our Director of Music for 15 years, since September 2008, and as our longest serving conductor, continues to use his skills as a professional musician and teacher to coach, develop and inspire the band. He has expanded our repertoire to include a wide range of new music, in diverse styles and for different levels of ability, including much written especially for wind bands. Paul’s concert programme selections never disappoint our audiences!
Paul also encourages both section and individual practice. Put together with his expert musical leadership, the band is stretched and challenged to improve, and so progresses as an ensemble. Through his music network, Paul also occasionally arranges for us to be coached by other leading professional conductors. The band has recently been able to work with both Rob Wiffin and Duncan Stubbs, two of the best wind band conductors in the country, both former Musical Directors of the RAF Central Band. The band continues to grow and flourish under Paul’s leadership, and we are very appreciative of his enthusiasm, hard work and commitment. Paul studied music at Goldsmiths’ College, London for a Bachelor of Music degree before continuing his trumpet studies with Paul Cosh. As a freelance trumpet player, Paul has performed abroad with the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Philharmonie der Nationen. At home he has played with various orchestras including Orchestra of St John’s,, New London Sinfonia and The London Concert Orchestra. He has also toured with the Carl Rosa Opera Company and the national tour of Joseph. He has played with the Italian Chamber Orchestra Musica Saeculorum, performing on period instruments for a live recording for radio. As a soloist Paul recently performed Aratunian’s Trumpet Concerto with Trinity Concert Band and then with Wycombe Sinfonia. Paul enjoys teaching and teaches at Wellington College, Berkshire, The Abbey School, Reading, the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and Pangbourne College. As a conductor, Paul is Musical Director for Trinity Concert Band and Cove Brass. He also plays an active role in supporting Brass for Africa and has travelled to Kampala and Liberia to see the projects that are happening there. In 2017 Paul led the band to a Platinum award in the London & South East England regional National Concert Band Festival (NCBF). We are looking forward to participating in NCBF under Paul’s directorship again in 2023. |