CSB

Musical Director

 

Graham Boag studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Trinity College of music, London for four years (1984-88) graduating with an L.T.C.L. (Performers) diploma. Following his graduation he freelanced for about 12 months working with the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, Royal Scottish National Orchestra until he was accepted in to the RAF Central Band as Principle Double Bass, a post he held for twelve years. During this time he continued to work with some of the countries best orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. His time in the RAF Central Band allowed him to travel across the world playing in some of the finest concert venues as well as major Royal events in the UK and military spectaculars such as The Royal Tournament, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Changing the Guard at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Graham found time to study for a BA (Hon's) in Band Studies with Richard Evans (Conducting), Arthur Butterworth (Composition) and Darrol Barry (Arranging), graduating from Sheffield University in September 2001. In March of the same year he was appointed as the Resident MD for Camborne Town Band (CTB) and worked with the band in preparation for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2001, working with the Professional Conductor Mr. Brian Grant. During his time as M.D. of Camborne Town Band he made a CD recording 'Proper Job' working very closely with the Cornish composer, Goff Richards, on his 'Mythic Trevithick' which was commissioned to celebrate the 'Puffing Devil' and Richard Trevithick's exploits throughout the world as an engineer. During this time the band played some of my own arrangements which received positive feedback form audiences and I found encouragement from Mr. Richards. Before moving to Cornwall Graham conducted several bands in the London area, including the Hanwell Band, leading them to success on the contest stage on several occasions. He was also fortunate to be able to conduct the famous CWS Glasgow Band with Howard Snell during a summer school for conductors held in Edinburgh. Graham also made a recording with The Oxted Band and guest soloist, the legendary Mr. James Shepard.  

Graham was associated with Camborne Town Band for six and a half years, continuing to conduct and play Eb and Bb Tuba. As Resident/Assistant Musical Director he worked closely with Frank Renton, Richard Evans, John Berryman, Ray Farr and other conductors from the Military including Lt. Col. Chris Davies (PDM Royal Marines Music Services). Graham recorded several CD’s and BBC Radio 2 ‘Listen to the Band’ broadcasts with Camborne Town Band. He was part of the Tuba section that won the ‘Best Tuba Section’ prize on four occasions in five years at the Bugle Contest. This section also won the ‘Open Quartet’ Section of the Camborne Music Festival. More recently Graham played Principle Bb Bass with the PolySteel (Flowers) Band under the baton of Philip Harper, winning contests and producing the highly acclaimed CD ‘The Incredible…….. PolySteel Band’.  

Graham is the founder member of Cornwall Symphonic Brass. 

 

The Players

Cornwall has a fine tradition of Brass Bands and Cornwall Symphonic Brass is an extension of this fine tradition. The playing membership of the ensemble has many players who have played professionally in some of the countries top orchestras including The Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera and Royal Scottish National Orchestra they have also played in West End shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Oliver and Les Miserables. Others have played with the finest Brass Bands in the country including Carlton Main Frickley, Flowers, Brighouse & Rastrick, Black Dyke and Grimethorpe. All this experiance around the stand makes the Cornwall Symphonic Brass one of the counties finest musical ensembles. They have studied at the main music colleges such as the Royal Academy, Royal College, Trinity College of Music and the Guildhall. Some currently teach as part of the County Music Service.
 
The players who performed at the inaugural concert where: 

Trumpet: Tim Carleston, Paul Thomas, Will Finch, Zoe Hancock, Paul Rodda, Nigel Wicken.

French Horn:  Jax Kershaw, Tom Taffinder, Iain Vosper, Leah Penk

Trombone: Mike Saville, Mike Brown, Ben Minear, Ian Daives

Tuba: Vic Ellis, Barney Donohew

Percussion: Mark Arnold, Jeremy Taylor, Sean Hooper