Members Profiles

The Band Sergeant came out, and before we could run away, invited us all in. We were soon seated and humming “da-di-di-dum-dum” to various  hand written crotchets and quavers  etc.
After about 3 weeks I was handed a Flugelhorn, and within 6 months I could play my part of `Scipio Slow March’. I later transferred my new found `talents’ to the Alto Saxophone.
Later in my teens I joined The Legion of Frontiersmen Military Band at Willesden. I, along with a few of my friends, also ran a small dance band called `The Ace of Clubs’ and we  practised in my front room in Finchley.
During my National Service I played in the Camp Bands at R.A.F Bridgnorth and Compton Basset.
Other bands were, STC Showband at New Southgate,  The Tony Lucas Big Band, Opus One Big Band, and various small dance bands that were still popular in spite of Rock and Roll.
I started with H.C.B when it was known as Stewards School Band, and we rehearsed at that school in Harlow. I left soon after they moved from the school, and rejoined again years later when I met Les Pearce by chance at The War Memorial in Harlow and inquired if Mike was still running the band.
Looking back now, I realise that I owe all my musical life, and enjoyment to that sergeant, who could just as easily have clipped our ears, and chased us off. I would then, never have made such good friends over the years, and had the privilege of playing with the excellent
Harlow Concert Band.

My musical life started at the age of 13 when I was out with my friends throwing stones onto the corrugated iron roof of the Nissen huts, where the Army Cadet Force rehearsed in Finchley North London.

John Kirk             Tenor Sax

That was a major regret in my life and I am now attempting to put that right.

I started to teach myself clarinet in 2004 but now concentrate on playing alto and tenor saxophone. My short musical history is as follows.

2005 Joined Harmonie Concert Band, Rayleigh, Essex

2005 Played in National Concert Band Festival, Eastern Anglia and South East region..

2006 Studied music theory with Open University.

2006 Played Clarinet recital at Durham University during Open University Summer School

2007 Attended Saxophone Experience Course, Benslow Music Trust

2007 Joined Harlow Concert Band

2008 Attended jazz improvisation course at Benslow Music Trust

I love music and ensure it is part of my life everyday and record my experiences on my blog at

http://myloveofmusic.blogspot.com

Jeff Hardcastle      Tenor Sax

I am a late bloomer in terms of playing a musical instrument. I did mess about with a classical guitar when I was a kid but never took it up seriously. My father was a professional musician but unfortunately as a child I never showed much interest.

Me playing with David Thornton! Impressed or what?

Having spent many years as a groupie following my three children around (French horn, clarinet and tuba) listening to them play on courses, orchestras and bands. I finally had a chance to have a go at playing a brass instrument! (In my distant past I had played violin but gave it up after college) The primary school where I teach was starting brass lessons and there seemed to be some spare instruments not being played at home! So….I had euphonium lessons at school in my break times. I was very disappointed that my children did not encourage me like I encouraged them! The next summer I went on a wind band course in Dorset, that my three boys had all attended many, many  years ago and I had been chief cook and bottle washer. http://www.wessexband.com/

Back home after the music course I needed to find a band to play with. I heard Harlow Concert Band at a St. Mary’s Classic Car Show and joined. My playing has improved over the 3 ½  years I have been with the band but there is still plenty of room for improvement!! (Is that why Mike the conductor looks at our section and says “No euphs”! every time Mark – the other euphonium player is away?

Pip Forth         Euphonium