Hello

Please Introduce Yourself.

My name is Taneli, I’m the Musical Director of the White Rose Concert Band

 

What do you most enjoy about WRCB?

All of the wonderful people that make up the band. Everyone comes to rehearsals ready to engage with the work we do on the music and to enjoy themselves whilst we do it. Sometimes they even laugh at my jokes!!

 

Why did you get into conducting?

My stepdad was a choral & orchestral conductor so I was watching him and learning about conducting from a young age. Despite that I predominantly studied classical music performance at University, but I realised that being a multi-instrumentalist, which I’d always hoped would be a strength, was actually more of a weakness in that context as my experience and expertise was divided across several instruments. Conducting seemed to be an area where this varied knowledge would be more valuable so I decided to pursue it more seriously.

 

What do you think is the most important skill to have as a conductor?

There are obvious things that are important like conducting the beat correctly, reading a score well & having a good musical ear. But personally I think the most important thing is to have opinions about music. If you don’t have any opinions about how you want the music to sound, how can you carry out the role of conducting an ensemble to play the music? Put simply - if you want to direct then you need a direction. The second most important thing is probably communication, so the musicians can join in your passion for the music and understand how you want them to play.

 

What type of music do you listen to?

I like a lot of variety! I listen to wind band, brass band, classical, jazz, folk, funk, a lot of barbershop quartet music and much more. For example my most listened to tracks on Spotify last year included a song from a Bollywood film, a Salsa band from Romania and the soundtrack from a German musical about Robin Hood, so I really do like a good variety!

 

What are you interested in outside music?

I am obsessed with cricket, so we are currently in one of my favourite times of the year - the Indian Premier League!!

 

Our Chair

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Please introduce yourself    

Hi, I’m James, one of two ‘percussionists’ (drummers), and the band chair. 

What attracted you to your instrument? Do you play anything else? 

I started playing because the high school band were looking for volunteers, and no one else volunteered! I played kit and it just felt right.

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What do you enjoy about WRCB

I find it particularly rewarding  joining our training band rehearsals when I can. It is valuable for building my own skills, and is great to see how well their playing and performances have developed over time.
 

Why did you choose WRCB?

I’ve been in the band coming up to 10 years - I joined WRCB because a previous conductor invited me along.

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What’s your favourite piece in the current repertoire?  

My favourite piece that we’re playing right now is Ardross Castle from Hymn of the Highlands - I like the haunting bagpipes (saxophone-bagpipes!)

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Fun Musical Fact     

As a teenager having never heard of Black Dyke brass band, I watched them in concert, and within weeks was lucky enough to play alongside them at Leeds Town Hall with the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band! 

 

 

Hello, I’m Steve, and I’m the Training Band Director

 

What Instrument Do You Play

Tuba

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Why Did You Choose WRCB

I began playing with WRCB as a dep about 30 years ago, then joined the band as a full time member, and second MD.  I still play for the Main band when needed.  I wanted to get involved again after an illness, and was offered the role in Training Band when the previous director retired.

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What Do You Enjoy Most About WRCB

Training Band enjoy a good laugh.  In fact it’s been suggested that we should be the subject of a sit com!  Our rehearsals are a great way to enjoy playing with others with a relaxed and encouraging ethos.  We also have opportunities to perform both as our own entity, and by combining with the Main Band for some of their events.

 

Favourite Piece In The Current Repertoire

Lilliburlero

 

Do You Have Any Other Hobbies

Gardening, Golf and Bowls

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Are Any Other Family Members Involved With WRCB

I’m working on it, so watch this space!

 

A Fun Fact About Me

I used to teach the current WRCB Chair!

 

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