band. Her first instrument was the recorder, which she still plays, as well as alto and soprano saxophones, and guitar. She has also recently been learning the flute.
As well as music making with The Harlow Concert Band, Barbara also plays with The Roding Players Orchestra, and sings in the church choir. She likes playing jazz when she can and enjoys playing by ear. Aside from music, Barbara has raised four children and teaches Maths and English.
In her spare time, she enjoys walking, cycling, and drawing cartoons.

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.

                           Welcome to Michael who has
                            recently joined the band on
                            our brass section.
                            Michael is an instructor and
                            band sergeant of the Militaire

of Barking and Dagenham and also plays trumpet, cornet, bugle, slide and valve trombone! Apart from us he also plays with the Roding Players Orchestra.
He is a member of S. John’s Ambulance, so you may see him our and about at public events in London providing first aid care.

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?