Musical Director - Alan Pope BEM

Alan was born in Redruth in 1961 and began learning to play the cornet at the young age of five. He joined Carharrack and St Day Band and then moved to St Austell Town Band, competing in the National Finals with them. Alan also played in numerous solo contests throughout Cornwall and the South West with major success and in 1974 he joined Camborne Town Band, remaining there until 1977 when he joined the Army. Alan spent two years training at the Band of the RAC Junior Leaders Regiment in Bovington, Dorset, and was posted to Germany in 1979 with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Band.

He later studied at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall under Professor Ian McKintosh and was awarded the prestigious Cousins Memorial Parchment for exceptional proficiency on the cornet. He was principal cornet for six years and was also Commanding Officers' Trumpeter. This gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the world and play at numerous prestigious occasions in front of the Royal Family and dignitaries.

Musical Advisor - Alan Morrison

After a long association as Principal Cornet player with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Alan then held a similar position with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. Now their Musical Director, Alan is also a freelance conductor, soloist and adjudicator. He is also a founder member of the widely acclaimed brass group, SONAR Brass which is a brass band based quintet.

He continues to be in great demand as a soloist having travelled the world appearing in Australia several times, extensively in Europe and to the USA as well as the length and breadth of Great Britain featuring in many festivals and gala concerts including the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. An experienced music examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools Music he also visits educational establishments giving recitals, masterclasses and external examining, and has adjudicated brass band contests at all levels at home and abroad.

Musical Advisor - David Childs

David Childs has emerged as one of the finest brass soloists in the world today. Inspired by his father Robert, David began playing the euphonium at an early age. Today he is in great demand as a soloist and educator touring regularly throughout Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and the USA.

He has appeared as a soloist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru, DCINY Symphony and BBC Philharmonic; made solo appearances at the BBC Proms, Singapore International Festival, Welsh Proms, Harrogate International Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Melbourne International Festival and New York Festival; performed solo recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room and Bridgewater Hall; given Concerto performances at the Concertgebouw, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and London’s Royal Albert Hall; and regularly records as a solo artist for radio, television and commercial disc.