John Woods

Occupation:
Business Development Manager with the Shaw Trust

Number of Children:
Two girls, 16 & 10.  The elder plays violin and the younger sings and is learning piano.

What instrument do you play?
Euphonium

How long have you played that instrument?
Since I was 18.  My best friend left the band for University.  We then had an empty chair, so I stepped in and became a better player on euphonium than I was on cornet.

Who taught you to play?
I was one of the first to join Sherborne Town Bands learner's classes at the age of 8.  My late father (a fine cornet player) was one of the tutors as well as Cyril White, John Cox and Ray Hunt.

Have you played any other brass instrument?

Do you have any other hobbies?
Well I do try and keep fit by visiting the gym so this supplements the exercise from gardening -I would like to play golf more often but with School Governor responsibilities too, there's no spare time left.

Do you play any other musical instrument?
No- not unless you count the CD player in my car!

Which other bands have you played with?
Started with Sherborne Town Band, Bideford Town, Alder Valley Aldershot (when I was working in London), Glastonbury.  I was a founder player at the Wessex Youth Brass Band course held in Blandford Forum Dorset when I was about 12.  This course was led by the late Courtney Bosanko who impressed me immensely as a musician.  Strong links with Sherborne's twin Band Esbjerg Brass Band continue to this day and I have played with them on visits to Esbjerg.  I have also been fortunate enough to play with St Mary's Band NSW Australia and have made visit to their impressive band club in 1981 & 2005.  I am also a founder member of Barclaybrass-the brass band of Barclays plc and have appeared throughout the country with them including a short concert in the Albert Hall London before the Championship section results, and I am past Chairman of Barclaybrass which brought its own challenges!  Ah-nearly forgot I was guest soloist with Mere Manor Brass on a tour of Germany and Luxembourg when I met Julia my wife who was Librarian for the trip.

Have there been any special moments for you with Phoenix?
Playing in the Symphony Hall Birmingham at the National Finals was memorable. From a personal perspective winning the Weston Super Mare Contest soloist award for 2 consecutive years 1999 & 2000.

What does the support of our 'Friends of Phoenix' mean to you?
All bands thrive on knowing they have a nucleus of supporters raising funds but also being there to support the band at contests and concerts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I've said enough already.

Last updated: 14-Apr-2008