Dave Chapman - Conductor and Tutor of both our Beginner & Training Band

Dave began playing the cornet with Stalybridge Junior band at the age of seven, progressing to a member of the senior band at age eleven. He continued with the band until taking up his studies at the Huddersfield School of Music, studying Trumpet and Composition. On graduating Dave took on a position of peripatetic music teacher with Manchester Education Committee and visiting Trumpet Tutor at Manchester Metropolitan University. He retired from his position as Head of Arts Faculty at a large Manchester comprehensive school in July 2015.

Dave’s musical experience is wide and varied having played professionally with many local orchestras and music ensembles (Manchester Camarata, Manchester Mozart Players, Pennine Chamber Orchestra). He has worked extensively with amateur musical groups as either musical director or performer, including most of our local brass bands and amateur operatic societies. A particularly fond memory was being invited to play with James Shepherd Versatile Brass in 2015.

Dave is a published composer mostly of works for young brass and wind ensembles and has had three musicals performed and published.

Education remains a passion and Dave was delighted to accept when offered the chance to work with the young players of St John’s Band (Mossley) and hopefully help to ensure (at least) another ninety successful years.