Q&A with Duncan Stubbs

Web exclusive: Paul Cosh (PC) quizzes the Royal Air Force's Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs (DS) on the band's recent recording with Philip Cobb, career highlights, and plans for the future.

PC: How did you find working with Philip on this cd and what approach did you and he take to the recording process?

DS: Phil has such a warm personality and tremendous musicianship that he immediately inspired such a positive vibe throughout  the band.  Add to this his incredible talent and the band couldn't help but respond positively for the whole recording.  It was easily one of the most enjoyable sessions the band has undertaken in recent years.  Phil had a very clear idea of how he wished to present each track. However, with Dave Childs in the recording booth we were able to develop these ideas to hone and balance each piece as it progressed.

PC: Do you have a favourite track or tracks and why?

DS: I particularly like the new work by Andy Pearce.  Melodic, expressive,  with clean, nicely balanced textures in the accompaniment.

PC: I've long been an admirer of the RAF Central band and for me they have a unique sound, somewhat warmer, or you could say richer, compared to the other fine military bands. What is the special ingredient that makes your band sound the way it does?

DS: The Central Band has a definite collective outlook in its music making and we are fortunate to have many highly talented individuals as well as strength in depth.   All the musicians constantly strive to improve and there is considerable section cohesion and mutual respect throughout  all the band irrespective of rank.  As most of the smaller ensembles from within the band (the Squadronaires and the Symphonic Brass group for example) are led by the musicians themselves there is already a shared responsibility  in the band's music making that translates directly into the full band sound.   All rehearsals are as much a collaborative effort as conductor-led and all players are actively encouraged to contribute.  After all, individually, they are far more skilled instrumentally than I so it is only common sense to draw on their individual areas of expertise.  Finally, my own University training specialised in ensemble work as well as orchestral playing, so I always try to treat the band as a large chamber ensemble rather than a 'Military' band with the somewhat brash, outdoor quality that the name implies.

PC: In your long and distinguished career at the RAF Central band, what have been the major highlights?

DS: If there were just one memory that I shall take from my RAF career it must be conducting at the  Royal Wedding in 2009. The atmosphere in Westminster Abbey that day was extraordinarily beautiful, it was an incredible experience. 

PC: I gather you will be retiring fairly soon from the RAF, do you have plans to stay involved in the music profession ? I see that you are to be one of the judges at the Brass in Concert competition. Could working in the brass band field as an adjudicator and conductor be an avenue you would like to explore? 

DS: If I were able just to conduct and work directly with RAF musicians I would keep the job of Principal Director of Music for as long as I possibly could. It is a tremendous privilege and wonderfully  fulfilling.  Regrettably, there is considerably more to the job than just music and it is definitely time to hand over the reins of responsibility. I  certainly intend to keep my music making going.  I have been very fortunate to have received some composition commissions, so that is another outlet I will be pursuing.  Yes, I have been asked to adjudicate at the Brass in Concert Festival in November. Will I be getting more involved in the Brass Band World? Only time will tell.

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