Due to pressure of work and personal health matters TSB recently said farewell to their MD, Shaun Humphries. Shaun’s tenure with the Band was much shorter than planned and all the members of TSB wish him well in the future.
Over the past few months TSB was very fortunate to also have access to the coaching and conducting skills of Neil Brownless. Neil shared rehearsal duties with Shaun and also played with the Band on several occasions. Once the committee knew of Shaun’s departure it was without hesitation that Neil was offered the vacant position.
Neil started his work with Towcester Studio Band in October 2014 as Associate Conductor but will now step up to Musical Director and is excited about working with the band. His immediate task is to prepare the Band to play at the Midlands Regional Qualifying Contest that takes place on 7th March at Bedworth.
Neil's musical career started at the age of 7 when he started playing Violin before switching to Brass and the Cornet at 9 years old. He later changed to Trombone progressing quickly to take his grade 8 after just 3 years of playing.
Whilst studying for a math’s degree at Portsmouth University Neil started conducting and became Musical Director for the Universities Big Band. His duties also included Assistant Conductor for the Wind Band. Neil has played Principal Trombone for many groups including Moulton 77 Brass, Otterbourne Brass, Brackley & District Band, Enderby Band, Northampton Concert Band, Portsmouth University Orchestra, Charity Symphony Orchestra and Northampton Symphony Orchestra. He currently holds conducting positions with Northampton Concert Band as Deputy Musical Director and Abingdon Concert Band as Musical Director. The committee and members of TSB extend a very warm welcome to Neil and look forward to good times ahead.