The Trombone Section
Kevin Webb – Solo Trombone
Kevin is the band’s principal trombonist and has been playing since the age of 7. He joined Chichester City in 1990, but has also played with a number of other bands. These include the Highbury Area Wind Band, the Mid Rhondda Band and the Aveley & Newham Band.
Kevin studied on Saturday mornings at the Guildhall School of Music Junior Department where he played with the Brass Band, Wind Band, Brass Quintet and Symphony Orchestra. In 1990 he went to Cardiff University, playing with the University Orchestra, as well as Cardiff Philharmonic and Cardiff Symphony Orchestra.
After obtaining a Degree in Music from Cardiff University and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Secondary) from Middlesex University, Kevin joined West Sussex Music Support Service in January 1996 working as a peripatetic brass teacher in the Chichester Area. He now conducts three brass bands in the course of his work at the Chichester Music Centre.
In February 1997, Kevin was appointed Bandmaster to the Chichester City Band and for part of the year, Kevin conducted the band full time at concerts and contests during the Band’s Centenary Year. Two highlights were taking the band to second place in the SCABA Entertainments Contest at Crawley and conducting the band’s main Centenary Concert in the Chichester Festivities International Arts Festival. In August 1997 Kevin made way for new Musical Director John Williams, since when, Kevin has focused his attention on developing the training band, which has now grown to twenty six members.
Avis Cowling – 2nd Trombone
I started learning the trombone at the age of 12 (my own choice was for a clarinet?!). In response to my protests about having to carry this instrument in a very bulky case, walking a total of 3 miles to and from school, the brass teacher just commented that “It’s ok, you’ll grow but the instrument won’t!” – which was very true, tho’ I still don’t envy bass players!
Being from ‘up north’ I played with the North Nottinghamshire Music School bands and orchestra, Nottinghamshire County Concert Band and then joined Creswell Colliery Band – it being t’minin’ country… and had some great times, including playing at Blackpool in the miners(CISWO)contest and putting t’best foot forward for Whit Friday Marches!
Personal circumstances brought me south in 1990 and I played initially with Guildford Friary Band then, after a break from playing, joined Godalming Band. Moving to Chichester in March 2000, I joined the CCB on second trombone and took on the role of Band Secretary in February 2001.
Don Webb – 2nd Trombone
I joined the Chichester City Band in 1989, in the trombone section. I started playing the trombone at 19 and two years later I joined the Regimental band of the 10th Royal Hussars for my national service from 1958-1960. I stopped playing for 14 years and returned to the trombone in 1978 when I started teaching my sons Kevin and Martin, and for many years we played as a brass trio for festival services at our local Chidham Church. Since joining the band I have been a committee member for 12 years and for the last three years have been treasurer.
Mike Saville – Bass Trombone
This is my second stint with the band, having played with them in my formative years during the 83/84 season (and worn the green and yellow jacket and peaked cap!). During my extended sabbatical I have been to study at the Royal College of Music, played with professional orchestras in London, played in west end shows, with touring big bands and with a number of championship section bands. I have worked with and studied with the great and the good in the brass playing world and gained a 1st in my final recital at the Royal College. What I hear you ask does all this qualify me for in the Chichester City Band? Bass Trombone, the same as when I started! Doh! (it also gives me licence to moan about some of the musak we have to play). Oh well, being the webmaster for this site keeps me off the streets I suppose :).