David Stanley
Began his banding career in 1952 with Blockley Brass Band in the North Cotswolds, in his home village. His playing had progressed sufficiently for him to take part in the Coronation festivities in 1953, on second trombone. David stayed with the band until he went to college. A highlight was when he appeared on the BBC programme “Down Your Way” and talked about the band, with the result that John Collier, head of the multiple tailoring chain, presented the band with a full set of uniforms.
Whilst at College he played on a few occasions with the Abingdon Band and always went back to Blockley in the holidays but otherwise had little chance to play.
In 1959 he went to teach at The Royal Grammar School in Worcester where he started a brass group.
On moving to Suffolk in 1963 he started a band in the new school and
joined Newmarket Town Band on First Trombone. He also made his first steps
in conducting with an evening institute band at Beyton
and was able to take his young players along with him.
He moved to Germany in 1966 to teach in a school for the children of British Army personnel and once again, started a band.
In 1972 David and his family returned to England. He took up a post in Redditch in Worcestershire and soon became involved with the Alcester Silver Band, where he played euphonium and later conducted for eight years. He started a group of learners which grew rapidly and became a Youth Band, at one time numbering over sixty. He was also asked to conduct the Bretforton Silver Band on a trip to Germany. On return, they asked him to continue. Dave explained that he already had too many commitments but agreed to help until they found someone else. That took eighteen years!
In the late seventies he made the Youth Band his priority. They eventually became Arrow Valley Brass. Under his guidance they progressed, began contesting and have eventually reached the Second Section. They now sponsor their own training group. Dave has conducted the band for the whole of its thirty or so years. The only time that he has missed more than the odd rehearsal was in 2002 when a period of illness kept him away for several weeks. He was soon back, sitting on a table to conduct till things improved.
David enjoyed a career in Education which saw him become Chief Education Officer for Hereford and Worcester. He never allowed his banding activities to lapse and valued them as a break from the duties of office. He was asked to join the West Midlands Association and through them, the British Federation of Brass Bands. He became Chairman of the Federation in the early nineties and held that position for over ten years, helping to establish a National Office and to see considerable development. His illness saw this work curtailed. He is now a Vice-President.
In addition to continuing to conduct Arrow Valley, he has found his way, since retirement, back to Blockley. Having gone “for a blow” he is now conducting them in an effort to re-vitalise the band which saw him start. He is also helping with a beginners group in a local school.
