Colin Jones the Maestro
There
has been great sadness at losing Colin as musical Director
following his retirement. We wish him well.
The
man who kick started this well-oiled machine is Colin Jones MBE,
who founded the band in 1990 after retiring as Head of Music from
Abraham Darby School, Telford, Shropshire. He received his MBE
for services to music in Telford.
From
Acorns Grow..
After
appealing for members in the Bridgnorth Journal and Alveley Church magazine, 24 people came
forward and the musical success had begun.
Rehearsals
Now
there are some 90 members ranging in age from 8 to over 70, and
rehearsals take place every Saturday at Alveley County Primary
School from 8.45-10.30am.
"I
never thought it would take off like this in the early
days," admits an enthusiastic Colin, who is also the
conductor.
"Interest
seems to have grown and grown and we've even had another five new
members joining us for rehearsals this month."
Literally
anyone can join the Band irrespective of the musical talent
because the music is written so that people of all abilities
contribute.
"The
mixing of the age group is important." says Colin. "The
approach to the Band is that the social aspect is more important
than the musical side and all the members-regardless of age-have
respect for each other.
"I
do not look for musical ability in new members but loyalty and
commitment. Having said that, as well as being a social band it
still has high musical aspirations."
During
1998 Colin and company reaped the rewards of their special
relationship with The City Of Birmingham Orchestra.
The
Orchestra held rehearsals with the Band and then staged a joint
concert.
"The
CBSO composer Judith WEIR is one of the most important figures in
20th century music so to have her coming here and working with us
is great," enthuses Colin.
"The
link with the CBSO is brilliant because it gives the kids
interest. They can recognise them when they perform on television
and their parents can get involved as well."
The
Band are lucky also lucky to be able to call on the services of
one of its founder members, Colin's son Nick, a former Oldbury
Wells pupil who is currently in the last year of a PHD in Music
at Cardiff.
"Nick
has a tremendous ability to write music which is tailor made for
the Band and the CBSO members have said how lucky we are to have
him writing for us," adds Colin.
As
well as the atmosphere of mutual respect that exists within the
Band, Colin also sees it as providing educational benefit for the
younger members.
"The
qualities you gain from being in a Band are not those which can
necessarily be gained from educational lessons in school because
music teaches other qualities which are so important. The ability
to play a musical instrument is one which demands hard work and
commitment over a long period of time. When you see some of the
kids' faces when they meet and talk to disabled people at some of
our concerts, that is real education."
There
have been some memorable highlights during Colin's eight years
with the Band.
"To
be honest, every concert is a highlight," he says. "So
far we have never failed to get a standing ovation and the
biggest thrill is knowing how much pleasure we have given to the
audience."
But
like all happy families, surely there's the odd falling out?
"We
do tend to have the odd upset here and there and I suppose I am
the father figure who has to sort them out," says Colin.
"But
I think they're all happy really!"
Click here to down load Colin talking about
The Band
Click here to down load a sample of our
music
Band Scrapbook
CBSO Web Site-Nick Jones Composer