About Kevin

About Kevin

A brief history of Kevin’s Career – The Early Years”

Kevin was born in Trebursye near Launceston, Cornwall in 1962 and began playing the tenor horn at the age of six. His first band was the Holsworthy Town Band where he sat next to his father Michael on the horn section. After brief spells with Totnes Town Band and Bude Town Band Kevin moved to the Championship section Bodmin Town Band. Aged 12 years he took over the principal horn position. Making him one of the youngest ever in the UK to hold a principal seat in a Championship Section Band.

Kevin aged nine years.

Aged 9 he made his first solo radio broadcast winning the children’s section of the BBC’s “Search for the Stars. He also went on to win the competition again the following year.

Aged 17 Kevin made his first television appearance and represented his school as soloist for BBC Television’s “The Music Quiz.” Since then he has appeared with such celebrities as Roy Castle and Harry Secombe.

When aged 14, Kevin moved to St Austell Town Band and took the position of principal euphonium. He enjoyed long spells with the Cornwall Youth Band and the National Youth Band of Great Britain. He also had much success in solo contests both locally and nationally.

The Middle Years

Kevin aged 11 years with trophies won at the West of England Talent Competition

Kevin has played under the baton of some of the great names of the brass band world.

These include: Harry Mortimer, Edward Gregson, Roy Newsome, Professor Walter Hargreaves, Major Peter Parkes and Albert Chappell.

After living in the North West of England for many years, Kevin moved back to his native Cornwall in 2004. Here he took up the positions of Musical Director of the St Austell Youth Band. He also took the post of Senior Tutor to the St Austell School of Brass and Percussion. He also took the position of Principal Euphonium with the St Austell Town Band.

In 2007 he became the temporary resident conductor of the Bodmin Town Band, and musical director with the Bodmin Junior Band.

“Kevin’s Composing”

Kevin playing at his 50 Years a Bandsman celebration concert October 5th 2018

Kevin’s composing career started in 1997 when, with encouragement from Goff Richards, he had his Euphonium solo “Cornish Sunset” published. Being described as “very melodic” and “audience friendly,” his works include the theme tune to BBC Radio’s “Sounds Of Brass.” This has been recorded by the world famous Black Dyke Band on their CD Essential Dyke Volume VI.

To view and purchase Sounds Of Brass click here

“Present Day”

Continuing to compose, arrange and teach both privately and in schools,Kevin has recently retired from playing but continues to work with bands in a professional capacity.

Kevin also produces and presents his own weekly one-hour radio programme “Brass In The Bay.”

To view and purchase the Brass In The Bay signature tune click here

Broadcast on thesourcefm.co.uk and the internet radio station brassbandradio.co.uk.

Kevin conducting at Port Issac
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