Having been born into a Salvationist family, it followed that I would be brought up within the ‘ranks’ of The Salvation Army.

 

My father, as well as playing tuba in a Salvation Army band, was a military bandsman for 25 years, making it inevitable that I would be introduced to brass banding.

 I learned to play the baritone at a very early age and subsequently joined Plymouth Congress Hall Salvation Army Young People’s Band. However, my days as a baritone player didn’t last for long, as I had a yearning to play a trombone. My dad acquired an instrument for me and I proceeded to learn the intricacies of playing the tenor trombone. Having ‘mastered’ the trombone I moved from the YP band’s baritone section to the trombone section, which is where I stayed until necessity dictated a short period on euphonium. 

 

The time came for me to transfer to the senior band where I returned to the trombone section playing tenor trombone. Soon after joining the senior band, I moved to bass trombone (often know as a G trombone in those days) and continued to play that instrument for many years, as well as fulfilling the role of deputy bandmaster (deputy musical director). My time as a Salvation Army bandsman was interrupted by two spells as bandmaster (musical director). In addition to this, I enjoyed a very enjoyable period as bandmaster of The Salvation Army’s Divisional (Devon and Cornwall area) Youth Band.

 

Circumstances took me away from banding for a good number of years. However, having been branded a ‘brass band fanatic’ – I wouldn’t argue with that! – brass bands have remained one of my passions. So, when I was asked to help Callington Town Band by conducting some of their rehearsals until they found a new musical director, I was only too pleased to do so – on a temporary basis, of course! 

 

Time went by and I was asked if I would become Callington’s musical director. Initially, I was reluctant to accept – realising that I was somewhat rusty when it came to all aspects of brass banding. However, the time I’d already spent with the band helped me to realise what I had been missing in not being involved in a brass band – either playing or conducting. So here I am, Malcolm Reeves Musical Director of Callington Town Band, and I must say I am very pleased to be so!

 

Just one last thing: if you can play, have played or would like to play any brass or percussion instrument and would like to join a down-to-earth, friendly brass band, please make contact with us – we would be glad to have you join us!