Dr Keith M Wilkinson

I played in the NYBBGB from 1961 to 1966, with five courses as Principal Euphonium. I have fantastic
memories of my time in the band and remember on my final course having a very pleasant
conversation with Eric Ball, our Guest Conductor who had just returned from the Salvation Army’s
Star Lake Music Camp in the USA. On leaving the NYBBGB I studied Mathematics at the University of
Manchester and kept up my euphonium playing as much as possible. I also conducted Ashton-Under-Lyne Salvation Army Band.

I pursued an academic career, lecturing in Mathematics at the University of Nottingham and became Bandmaster of Derby Central Salvation Army Band and later Music Director of Teversal Colliery Band. Following a conversation with Geoffrey Brand I became Assistant Music Director at GUS Band in 1977, and Music Director in 1978, and had the privilege of conducting the band in many concerts as well as directing many successful contest performances including three successful “Area” champion performances and twice winning BBC’s Best Of Brass. In 1986 I switched from GUS to take over the baton at William Davis Construction Group Band, enjoying contest success including four consecutive “Area” wins.

In 1995 I received an invitation from the Salvation Army in USA to become the Divisional Music Director in North East Ohio. The Brass Band Of The Western Reserve was born and I directed them until 2021.  I have guest conducted several bands in both USA and Canada and had the privilege of directing St Louis Brass Band when they won the North American Championships First Section in 2001.  There have also been several visits back to Britain to direct bands.  Over the years I have been invited to adjudicate several brass band championships.  I also have more than 120 arrangements published in UK, USA and Switzerland. I still live in Ohio and still find time to keep up my music – I am currently assisting Dublin Metro Brass as their Music Director.