As one chapter ends, another begins

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“As one chapter ends, another begins" ….. and that has been so true for Heathfield Silver Band (HSB) over the past couple of weeks.

We were very saddened to hear that our Musical Director David Bowerman wanted to hang up the baton with HSB at the end of the summer season. We have enjoyed a really good couple of years with David encouraging all to play to their potential and harnessing an atmosphere in rehearsals that has seen the band flourish! We all thank David for the enthusiasm and the effort he has applied in this post and we wish him well in whatever avenue he pursues with his musical career. (But we really want David to play trombone with us after a short break he has promised himself).

Finding a new musical director is a very daunting task but we have been SO fortunate in that John Playford ATCL (one of our terrific front row cornets) has stood forward to be the new Musical Director.

And when you look at John’s resume, you can understand just how excited we are about the future.

A Ringmer boy, John has played since the age of 12, quickly establishing himself as the Principal Cornet player at school and then Uckfield Concert Brass.

A distinguished HM Royal Marines Band Service followed, where John played in venues such as Royal Albert Hall & Wembley Stadium, along with BBC TV recordings.

On leaving the Royal Marines, John played Cornet for Canterbury and then Principal Cornet for Birchington Silver Band and Hand Cross Band, whilst at the same time becoming Musical Director for Copthorne Silver Band!

For 25 years John was then a private brass teacher in schools throughout East & West Sussex and a freelance trumpet player in orchestral concerts, featuring as the soloist in Haydn and Hummel concertos.

John retired for a few years but came out of retirement to play Cornet with HSB and what at impact he had! And now, he is going to use all that experience to take us to the next level!

Welcome John