Restormel
Concert Band was founded in 1979 by John Ferguson who hade moved to Cornwall in 1978 to be Head of Music at Penrice School.
His intention was to provide a platform for the many talented woodwind players
in Cornwall
that had had no opportunity to play in any form of ensemble. Originally known
as St Austell Concert Band the name was soon changed due to confu
sion with the
already established St Austell Brass Band. Since leaving Cornwall John was Head
of Music at Richmond School in Yorkshire before going on to emigrate to Australia where he is Head of Music at one of Australia’s leading public schools, Scotch College
in Melbourne.
During the early 80’s David Hendry took over the position
of Musical Director and under his baton the band continued to flourish, giving
concerts both in and out of the county. In 1989 – the 10th Anniversary of the founding of Restormel Concert Band, George Chisholm, the
famous Jazz trombonist, was guest artists at the anniversary celebrations.
In 1993 Malcolm Burley
took over as Musical Director. Malcolm was Head of Music at Brannel School
at the time. Malcolm has been, and continues to be, a major figure in local
music. Since moving to Cornwall,
as well as his 10 years with Restormel Band, he has been musical director of St
Austell Operatic Society, played the piano for countless other organisations
and is the organist at St Mewan Church. In 1999 the band celebrated its 20th birthday by giving an
outdoor concert onboard the square-rigger “ Earl of Pembroke" in Charlestown harbour,
raising £3000 for the RNLI.
September 2003 saw, on
Malcolm’s retirement, the return of David Hendry as Musical Director and since
that time the band has continued to perform the length and breadth of the
county. David was born in Sussex
and trained at Dartington College of Arts. He moved to Cornwall in 1977 to take up a teaching post. David
has conducted many groups since he came to the county. The list includes St
Mewan Sinfonia, St Dennis Male Voice Choir, The County of Cornwall Male Voice
Choir, St Austell Choral Society, Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra and Restormel
Concert Band. Theatrically he has directed shows for St Blazey and Newquay
Amateur Operatic Societies as well as founding his own theatre company in 1987.
In 2006, David was
awarded the Treverva Shield for his contribution to youth music in Cornwall by the Gorseth
Kernow.
