Kibworth Band Welcomes Three Talented Players for Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships
We are thrilled to announce the addition of three exceptional musicians to our ensemble. Jacob Taylor-Durant on front row cornet, Thomas Hall on solo euphonium, and Paul Johnson on BBb Bass will be making their debut performance with the band at the upcoming Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday, March 2nd.
Jacob Taylor-Durant brings a wealth of experience as a trumpeter and cornet player. This will actually be his second competition with us after he depped for us at November’s LBBA contest. He has performed with esteemed ensembles such as North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, Hull Bach Choir, Derby Concert Band, and Harmonie Hipso Facto Strasbourg. He has moved to us from the Championship Section Enderby Band where he played under Stephen Phillips, currently the Musical Director at the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. He is currently the Acting Principal Trumpet at Leicester Symphony Orchestra and Principal Trumpet of J26 Sinfonietta, Jacob’s musical prowess adds depth to top end of Kibworth’s cornet section.
Thomas Hall joins Kibworth as an accomplished solo euphonium player. His journey in music began when he took up brass playing under the guidance of an occupational therapist to develop his weak mouth muscles. Born into a family of brass players, Thomas has played with renowned bands including Medway Band (reaching the 1st section National Finals twice), National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, Southern Counties Youth Band, and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Currently studying Trombone at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and a member of CBSO Youth Orchestra, Thomas is excited to contribute his talents to Kibworth.
Paul Johnson takes on the role of BBb Bass within Kibworth Band. Overcoming personal challenges after being diagnosed with cancer affecting his tongue in his early twenties led him towards conducting various marching bands while also learning how to play alto saxophone. His skills don’t end there as he is equally at home with some sticks behind the timpani in the percussion section. He started his own quintet with his wife Mary where he has written and arranged his own music. With extensive experience in different bands and ensembles such as Royal Leamington Spa Brass Band and Bilton Silver, Paul brings a wealth of musical knowledge and passion to Kibworth.
“I am incredibly pleased and proud to welcome these fantastic players to our band ahead of the regional championships in March. Adding a wealth of experience to each section they join, it’s exciting to anticipate the performance we can produce on Eric Ball’s fantastic High Peak.”
Brendan Caddy Musical Director
