© 2022 D W Thomas

A brief history

I first learnt to play cornet aged 7. Receiving no lessons, I taught myself. At the age of 11, I was lent a trumpet, and soon found myself playing in the County Youth Orchestra with Ray Farr, of brass-banding fame.

I gained a scholarship to Hereford Cathedral School, where I entered myself for A.B.R.S.M., Trumpet Exams. I passed them all up to Grade 8, and with distinction!

I did receive piano tuition. Initially from my parents, and then from a private teacher, with whom I did piano and theory grades.

I studied for my music degree, at the Royal College of Music, London. It was here that my (first and only) trumpet teachers were Ernest Hall and David Mason*, (*Piccolo trumpet part on the Beatles’ “Penny Lane”).

After graduation I became Head of Performing Arts at a Herefordshire High School where I remained for over twenty years. During this time I was also:

•  A freelance trumpet player
•  Conductor of the local G & S Society
•  Principal cornet / Soprano cornet and  then Bandmaster with the local Salvation  Army band: 1966 - 1994
•  S.A. Songster Leader 1975 - 1977

In 1996, I retired from full-time teaching, but continued to teach brass and conduct one of the Herefordshire County Orchestra's, up to the summer of 2009, when I relinquished this part-time work too.

From January 1997 - January 2019, I added an extra “career role” and became a tour driver for a local coach company, and then a Driver Trainer.

In late 1997, I became M.D., for Bromyard Symphonic Wind Band.

In 2024, I became M.D. for Ledbury Community Brass Band.

I continue to keep musically busy, as a trumpet player, cornet player, adjudicator and conductor, and have recently been a guest Bb cornet and Soprano player with Skeie Brass Band in Norway, on three separate occasions.