DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Captain David Cole
MVO MMUS ARCM RM
David was appointed Director of Music to the Royal British Legion in 2006 and he directs the Central Band. He is also the Assistant Producer of the annual Festival of Remembrance, a major national event broadcast on BBC television and radio. David's wide experience as a musical director ranges from symphony and concert orchestras, wind and brass bands, to choral conducting, big bands and dance bands. He is a pianist, organist, tuba and string bass player...more>
Captain David Cole
MVO MMUS ARCM RM
David was appointed Director of Music to the Royal British Legion in 2006 and he directs the Central Band. He is also the Assistant Producer of the annual Festival of Remembrance, a major national event broadcast on BBC television and radio. David's wide experience as a musical director ranges from symphony and concert orchestras, wind and brass bands, to choral conducting, big bands and dance bands. He is a pianist, organist, tuba and string bass player...more>
Concerts
The Central Band has travelled extensively, completing a highly successful concert tour of the Lake Geneva area of France, the Isle of Man and concerts in Germany. Closer to home we have performed nationwide including Scarborough, Bridlington, Blackpool, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leamington Spa, London, Hastings, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Street (Somerset) and Plymouth.
Every year since 1976 the band has entertained thousands of holidaymakers - often drawing record crowds - during a week of daily concerts on the famous bandstand at Eastbourne. The Band's popularity here is such that many people book their summer holidays to coincide with the Band's week of residence!
Music
The Central Band plays a wide range of music, including concert marches, classical, show music, modern concert band pieces, big band sounds and more modern rock arrangements. Aside from the Director of Music, David Cole, there are a number of talented arrangers within the Band who continue to contribute new arrangements to its library. David Cole's spectacular arrangements are a feature in many Central Band concerts.
Membership profile
Whilst the Band has amateur status, many members are professional and ex-professional musicians, including musicians from the Royal Marines, the Royal Engineers and the Royal Air Force Central Band. The male and female membership come from all walks of life and includes Doctors (PhDs), company directors, senior managers, accountants, secretaries, civil servants, computer programmers, teachers and students. There is an active social side with various events throughout the year.
The Central Band is based in Norbury SW London. Each member travels an everage of 40 miles to attend weekly rehearsals, some travel up to 150 miles!
Recordings
The band makes regular commercial recordings, all of which are available on CD. For full details and to purchase any of the Band's CDs, click here.
© 2009 Central Band of the Royal British Legion : Site design by Chase