JOHN WYNDHAM MBE



Following a lifetime of interest and participation in traditional and modern music I founded the band, that is now known as The Royal British Legion Youth Band, Brentwood. In the beginning I was responsible for every aspect of the band. Now I enjoy the role of main administrator thanks to the support, dedication and expertise of the volunteer instructors and staff, whose assistance has made the band what it is today.



JOHN SEABROOK ATCL



John started his playing career at the London Nautical School where he studied under Mr John Bowler Piccoloist and flautist with the Covent Garden Opera Orchestra. Whilst still at school he played with the London Schools Symphonic Band and the London Schools Training Orchestra.

In 1979 he joined the Army as a Musician and was sent for training at The Queens Division School of Music at Bassingbourne Herts. He was later posted to the 1st Bn the Queens Regimental Band (later the Albuhera Band the Queens Regiment) under the baton of WO1 Phillip Hills. Whilst serving in the Army he travelled and performed extensively in Europe and Great Britain and also attended the Royal Military School of Music (kneller Hall) where he studied under professor of flute, George Crozier. During this time he also performed with the Kingston Philharmonia. John continued his studies after leaving Kneller Hall and whilst serving in Northern Ireland he studied briefly under Mr Colin Fleming principal flute of the Ulster Orchestra and whilst in the UK with Ms Susan Milan (now professor of flute at the Royal College of Music) He eventually left Her Majestys forces to pursue another career but maintained his passion for music and the flute, playing with the Croydon Orchestra and with the North London Concert Band. He has taught the flute for many years both in South East and East London. His involvement with the Brentwood British Legion Youth Band not only includes woodwind instruction but he has recently taken up the baton as an additional member of the conducting team.



JOHNPAUL WYNDHAM



Johnpaul is a founder member of the band which was formed in October 1990.

He started drumming in the sea cadets at the age of twelve and reached the rank of Cadet Petty Officer. Johnpaul has attended several courses with the Royal Marine drummers at their school of music and organized many drumming workshops with guest drummers from other bands.

As the band sergeant major he is responsible for the percussion section, band drill, overall turnout and is second in command of the band.

JAYNE FARMER



Jayne began her musical career at the age of ten but not being able to decide on what instrument to concentrate on, she decided to play piano, violin and clarinet, showing early musical prowess. She was at this stage living in London and studying music at school.

In 1992 her family moved to Brentwood and Jayne continued her musical studies at St Martins School. In this same year she heard about the RBLYBB and quickly realised that she could expand her musical knowledge and put all the hard work to use. However at this time the band needed cornettists not clarinettists and so she was given a cornet, a tutor, took on the task and was soon in the second row cornet blowing her heart out.

Trips around the country and abroad with the band soon followed, Pasadena in 1996, the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall in 1998 and since then numerous trips to France and Belgium representing the Legion at various commemorative festivals.

Jayne returned to the USA in 2009 for the Tournament of the Roses Parade where the band was seen by an estimated 640,000,000 viewers from around the world.

Jayne has now taken on the mantle of cornet instructor and is now passing her experience on to the new members. She instructs from beginner stage to accomplished musician and has recently created a study/practice system to suit the bands needs. This will help to progress the beginners to a stage where they are able to play a musical part in the band at the earliest opportunity.

Jayne would like to take this opportunity to thank the band for everything in the past 17 years and is glad that she is now able to give something back.