The Musical Director of the Yiewsley and West Drayton Brass Band

Chris Cole - MD

Chris was brought up in Sandwich, Kent. He attended Dover Grammar school where he achieved a semi-professional level in singing and served as a chorister. Excelling instrumentally, he took clarinet, violin and piano to grade eight standard. While at university he studied composition and the art of conducting under two respected teachers, Dr Edward Ho and John Bate.

In parallel with a successful career in school education, Chris has put his considerable energies into sacred music. For 10 years he was organist and choirmaster at St Matthews Church, Yiewsley. Under his direction the choir of St Matthews became very accomplished. They performed in prestigious surroundings, including St Pauls and the Abbey at St Albans.

In 1994 Chris was delighted to be appointed Musical Director of Yiewsley and West Drayton Band. In a very short space of time he revitalised the band, attracting new players and developing the band in all respects. Following the band’s return to regular contesting in 1997, he has steered the band to a succession of competition prizes and to promotion from the 4th section to the 2nd section in the national grading tables.

Chris is a keen Tuba player, and regularly performs with Regent Brass. He is also the organist at St Marys Church, Hemel Hempstead - proving music to be an important factor in his life.

To the band's benefit, Chris takes a close interest in the administration of the band, and was a great help in securing the grant we obtained to start the training band.

Chris is Head Teacher of St Matthews Church of England Primary School, Yiewsley.