MD : Ian Whittaker I was born in Crafthole, Cornwall and there is music on both sides of my family. My grandfather played cornet in the old Sheviock Prize Band. I began to learn to play trombone at school in London at the age of twelve and originally played in orchestras and wind bands. I started, and for a number of years conducted, a local wind band. I eventually switched to brass bands and spent over 30 years playing in the Crystal Palace Band. My job was not in music but, after I left it, I was able to start conducting the Crystal Palace Training band, which I did for 7 years, building it up into their B Band. After leaving my job I started giving lessons in a local primary school, a new venture for them and, in the 12 years I taught there, I built up a school (mostly) brass band of between 15 and 20 players which gave occasional concerts at other primary schools in the area. Returning to Cornwall I revived the Landrake Band and played baritone for a while with Saltash Band. When an opportunity arose to play first euphonium with Callington Town Band I took it. In 2014 I became Deputy Conductor and then Musical Director in early 2015.