Contributors

Paul Holland

Originally from South Wales and now residing in Gloucester Paul is in demand as a Conductor and Adjudicator throughout Europe. By the age of 16 he had already served as solo horn to numerous ensembles including the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Tredegar Town Band. Paul continued to fulfil his early musical promise being invited to join the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band aged 18. As a player Paul enjoyed considerable concert and contest success with Black Dyke Band and made several CD, radio and television appearances with celebrities such as Elton John, Jools Holland, The Beautiful South and Sting. Paul was fortunate to be part of the team that made the “Grand Slam” of Brass Band titles being the European, British Open and National Titles in the same year. Whilst studying in Yorkshire Paul also played with other fine bands such as YBS, Brighouse and Rastrick, Grimethorpe and Fodens when able. As a Conductor Paul’s main influence and passion for conducting came from James Watson during his tenure at Black Dyke. After University study Paul returned to Wales and spent six years as Musical Director of the Newbridge band where he led them through a period of unparalleled success in their history; notably Champion Band of Wales 4 times and Champion Band of Great Britain 2nd Section. In April 2009 Paul became the Musical Director of the Flowers band. Since his appointment the band has re written their own record books having achieved their highest ever results at the National Championships of Great Britain, British Open and Brass in Concert Championships. He became the first conductor to achieve four consecutive regional titles with the band to add to a hat trick of Yeovil titles and five wins (including a hat trick) at the popular, and lucrative, Butlin’s Mineworkers contest. In addition, he made 2014 an historic year for Flowers winning all of the above mentioned titles and the Grand Shield, followed by a third place in the British Open that year. In September 2015 Paul accepted the position of Band Director and Conducting Lecturer at the University of Salford. Paul is also the conducting and performance examiner within the music faculty. As an adjudicator Paul enjoys an ever increasing active schedule of appointments. He has adjudicated at the National Championships of Great Britain on several occasions as well as other high profile local, national and international competitions throughout the UK and Europe, including the innovative SIDDIS contest in Norway and the Swiss Open. Paul is a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) as well as being on the Music Panel for Kapitol Promotions.