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Other Gosport Books

Discovery Centre Books

New Musical Director - Richard Sharp

In 1995, Richard gained a place at Salford University on a Band Musicianship course, studying Conducting with Professor Dave King and Dr. Roy Newsome and arranging music with Peter Graham. During his stay at Salford, Richard played with the oldest Band in the country, Stalybridge Old Band. It was whilst at Salford that Richard developed an interest in joining the Armed Forces as Major Peter Best was studying for his Master of Arts Degree at the same time. Graduating in 1998, Richard joined the Royal Marines Band Service.

Although auditioning on Euphonium, Richard accepted a place on Trombone, studying with the late Don Lusher. Whilst in training, Richard played with the Southsea Lucketts Travel Band and the SWT Woodfalls band. After three years training, Richard was drafted to the Royal Marines Band based in Rosyth, Scotland. Whilst there, he visited many parts of the world including Australia, America, Gibraltar, Belgium and the Ukraine. In 2003 Richard was deployed with the Commando Logistics Regiment in Iraq on Op.Telic; an experience that was certainly different to his normal routine!

During his posting in Scotland, Richard conducted the Tullis Russell Mills band for 18 months, during which time the band achieved many successes.

In March 2007, Richard was drafted to the Royal Marines Band, Portsmouth and was sent away for 2 months to Cyprus to perform gate duties and musical support. Upon his return, the opportunity arose to conduct the Gosport Silver Band, a task which he relishes.

In his spare time, what little there is, Richard enjoys spending time with his family and riding his motorbike.

More can be found at the Gosport Silver Band Web Site

Training Band gets new MD - John Storey

Some years ago Gosport Silver Band decided to form a Training Band to encourage young people to learn to play a brass instrument, not only to provide them with a most enjoyable hobby which will last a lifetime, but with the added advantage of providing players for the Senior Band, in due course

This has proved very successful, particularly over the past two years when the Training Band has been directed by Irenka Urdova. She has markedly improved the overall Training Band standards and in so doing, has helped the youngsters develop their individual musical ability.

Unfortunately, Irenka has to return to her native Czech Republic to help care for an elderly relative, but the Band has welcomed John Storey, a local brass musician to take over her role.  John recently spent seven years helping teach young musicians with the RMLI Cadet Marching Band, and at a farewell concert for Irenka, in front of parents, friends and members of Gosport Silver Band, John expressed his admiration for the progress the young people have made and welcomed the opportunity to help with the continuation of the young people’s musical development.

Presently, the Training Band is 18 strong, with 15 young people - and 3 Mums and Dads working hard to learn their instruments as fast as their sons and daughters. They meet on Sunday mornings at Thorngate Hall, and more information is available from either Ann Simmonds on 023 92524166 or John Storey on 023 92583192

Gosport Silver Band would also be interested in players to boost the main band. We presently require a euphonium, a back row cornet, a front row cornet, trombones, a Bb bass and an Eb bass. All other players will equally be welcome. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Please contact Dr. Len Gittins on 023 92363707 for more details.