1st Trombone - Colin Norton

When did you start playing?

I started playing with the Coventry School of Music Junior Band in 1950. 

Banding/Musical experience:

I first started on the trombone but never quite got the hang of it (still trying!). After a while I changed to euphonium and G trombone. When I realised I could make some money I gave up brass bands and played trumpet with dance bands and traditional jazz bands. After damaging my lip in an accident I switched to alto sax and clarinet, still playing dance halls, clubs and a bit of street busking.

Having a love of classical music I also learnt flute and oboe and played in orchestras and theatre pits in Coventry, Birmingham and later in Rugby.

After meeting some members of Bilton Band (in a pub) I was persuaded to have another go on euphonium; not being very good at it I changed to cornet and had many happy years with Bilton Band, even at one time being their Chairman and Junior Band Director.

Later, having left Bilton Band I was asked to join Dunchurch Band as Musical Director. A position I held until I realised I really wanted to play, so I went onto cornet and then, owing to empty spaces in the band I switched to trombone, going full circle.

I still play string bass in a dance band and jazz bands, and in orchestras when I get the chance.

I also have the unique experience of having been Chairman of both Bilton and Dunchurch Bands.

Favourite banding highlight(s):

My favourite banding highlights are being awarded the Bandsman of the Year trophy, twice by Bilton Silver and having the privelege of directing and developing Bilton Junior Band, an amazing and enthusiastic group of young people. I tried to teach them the incomparable pleasure of making music with a group of friends, rather than just passing grades. I hope that I was able to teach them as much as they taught me.

Other hobbies and interests:

My other interests include flat green bowls; languages, particularly French, Latin, Early English and many others; repairing musical instruments is another hobby, and be it on canal, river, reservoir or sea I really love fooling about with boats.