| Name:
| Christopher Leon Johnston
| | Skills:
| Conductor
| | Phone:
| +44 (0)1908 307506
| | Address:
| 42 Blackdown, milton keynes MK11 2AB, United Kingdom
| | Links:
|
Website E-mail | |
| | Born in Carlisle 1957, and began playing at the tender age of 6, having been given the C scale and a Cornet from my Father Derek johnston himself a Musical Director of Brass Bands and male voice choirs. I won my first medal at 7 years of age, with the Rossington Colliery Band quartet under the baton of Johnnie Jones. Then my family moved to Dinnington Colliery Band where I played Cornet, after a few years I moved to Thurcroft Colliery Band again still on Cornet. From there I moved on to the then famous Cresswell Colliery Band on 2nd Cornet, the principal Cornet at that time was the Famous Mervyn Griffiths, who was as Famous in the North of England as Derek Garside. I spent many a happy hour after practise while the older players were having a pint, I was having individual tuition from Mervyn, who was a fantastic player and this was a great experience for me. My family then moved to Cornwall in 1970 when my Father was offered the position of Musical Director with the Camborne Town band. I was on 2nd cornet for about 18 months and was then moved on to 2nd Euphonium, I was with Camborne Town until 1974, having won the Areas 3 times in the Championship section, gaining 5th place in the Natonal Finals, and also winning the World Music festival in Kerkrade also in 1974. I then moved back to Cresswell Colliery for approx 18 months on Solo Euphonium, which was a great honour for me, also I was working in the colliery as a miner. After this I moved back to Cornwall & joined the St Keverne band on Solo Euphonium and bandmaster, having been trained by my father the art of conducting, I taught the Junior Band, and also when my Father was unavailable to conduct I would step in to take the helm. Having conducted the Band on many occasions, including Songs of praise (BBC TV) and also a tour of Germany. Throughout this time I won many awards in Solo competitions, such as Champion of Cornwall, Champion of the South West of England, all more than once. Also with my Brother Derek on Trombone, Brother in Law Peter Goldsworthy on Soprano, & Cathy Moor on Cornet (now with the BBC Concert Orchestra) we were the St Keverne Band quartet, again at the time unbeatable on many occasions.
I was the bandmaster for The St Keverne Band in Cornwall for 12 years. Musical director of The Redruth Town band for 2 years, at that time 1st section. Also being Musical Director for the Hayle Town Band for 2 years at that time 2nd Section. Due to my employment I moved away from Cornwall to Milton Keynes. Having played baritone for several for months for The Travelsphere Holidays Band (formerly GUS), I left this position due to work commitments, I then created my live internet radio station for Brass Bands to promote the movement to listeners on the internet, please feel free to visit the site www.brassbandradio.co.uk I am sure you will enjoy the music. After a couple of years or so with a heavy work schedule behind me, I decided it was time to get back in to Brass bands, The Wolverton Town Band in Milton keynes were looking for a Conductor, so I offered them my services and stayed with them for 9 months, they were very short of players and it was a task of re building the band to full strength, unfortunately this was not achieved, however the numbers were increasing to a total of about 21 members. But I decided it was time to move on and put my talent to better use. As from January 2006 I have taken up the appointment of Musical Director for the Bradwell Silver Band, Milton Keynes. I am also available to Conduct Bands of any standard, either as a relief Conductor or as a Band trainer to raise the standard of playing, for Contests or Major Concerts.
|
|
|