Introduction 'Witty Title' still to come...

[andy_miller]

Hi there, my name is Andrew Miller, I'm a musician in the Army. Primary instrument is the Sax-o-ma-phone, and Piano/Keys. I play mostly straight music from the classical and military band repertoire on saxophone. On the piano/keys I play jazz/rock and try my hand at salsa but I need to spend more time on that listening and practicing. I would like access to the PDF's as I'm always looking for something to practice and help me improve. Also does anyone know of any Sax tutors in the Hampshire area? Many thanks, Andy Miller. 😉

 

[Pete Thomas]

Hi Andy and welcome. You should now have access to the extra pages.

And hurry up with the witty title.

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Andy & welcome to the forum. Good luck with all your music.

Cheers, Bob

 

[saxismyaxe]

Hi Andy, Welcome to the forums! What regiment are you with?

 

[andy_miller]

Hi Michael and thanks, Im currently serving with the Army Air Corps Band at Middle Wallop near Andover. The best band this side of London! 😉

 

[RedBottom]

I have to say, Andy, I've worked with two ex-military bandsmen and I have loads of time and respect for them. Not because they're all 'military', either. They just know what they're talking about and they seem to have those real leadership skills too, sadly lacking in many an 'expert' musican-come-director.

I look forward to chatting with you.

 

[andy_miller]

Hi there RedBottom! I think the leadership part comes from the environment we play in. As far as I can tell the conductors/Bandmasters/Directors of Music in the army have the leadership part drilled into them at an early stage when they are students at the music school in London. To become a conductor you must complete a three year Bandmasters course which is essentially a degree with a whole load more jobs, assignments and duties thrown in to see if they can cope with it. A case of sink or swim I think. I have spoke to quite a few and they all say it's very demanding but they all love it. Just out of interest do you remember who the two ex-military bandsmen were? Chances are I might know them!

Remember no matter wherever you go in life.... that's were you are! 8)

 

[RedBottom]

Just out of interest do you remember who the two ex-military bandsmen were? Chances are I might know them!

Well, we're based in Leicestershire. Our last director was Mike Cooper, a flautist. He still works in the county (teaches at Loughborough Grammar School, I think, and looks after Hathern B Band) but had other commitments so couldn't stay with us.

Our current bloke is Dave Coble, who's a trombonist (but we forgive him that). He's retired now, but still very active on the local music scene.

I'm not sure which bands/regiments either of them was with (Dave may have been Signals). They have very different styles, but they're both excellent band leaders.

 

[tengu01]

Hey there Andy, welcome to the forum from Geneva 🙂

 

[griff136]

HI Andy and welcome