James was born and educated in Essex, and joined the Army as a French Horn player in 1988 at the age of 16.  After two years of training at the Army Junior School of Music, Bovington, where he won overall musician of the year (Infantry), he was posted to the Duke of Kent's Band, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in Hemer Nr Dortmund, Germany.

In 1994 due to Options for Change James was posted to the Minden Band of the Queen's Division in Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire and served with them until his selection for the prestigious Bandmasters course at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, in September 2000.

During his ten years as a player within Army music, James has worked and played with many fine musicians and orchestras.

James is due to graduate from The Royal Military School of Music in August 2003.

Patrick Rivers

Patrick Rivers began his musical career with an ‘apprenticeship’ with the Salvation Army as solo pianist, horn player and conductor. He was awarded a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and went into Military Band service as a euphonium player, pianist and arranger. He wrote music for 12 publishers, notably ‘Off the Cuff’, winner of the BBC’s ‘New Music for Brass’ in 1960 and ‘Portrait of Brunel’, a test-piece commission in 1970.

He has directed In-Service courses for teachers in School band training, correspondence courses in composing and arranging and conducted a number of school bands’ playing-days and concerts. He has also been elected to the Advisory Council of NSBBA, been a reader for Hinrichsen Edition and a writer-member of the Performing Right Society.

Now retired from his 50 year teaching career he is principal Euphonium player and Associate Conductor of the Bourne Concert Band.