Godalming crest

Godalming Band

Brass band in Godalming since 1937

Musical Directors (1967 to 1984)

1967-1968: Basil Ray

Basil Ray came to the band from the Sandhurst Military College. Research continues!

1969-1972

During this period the band had various musical directors including Peter Clack who was head of brass at Charterhouse School.

1972-1975: ’Stan’ Stanton

Mr Stanton led the band throughout these years, but as yet, we are unable to add further documented information about him or his leadership of the band.

1976: Chris Taylor

Again, research has revealed little so far, but it’s believed that Chris was either a Military or local musician or teacher.

1976-1982: Malcolm Gay

Malcolm trained as a military bandsman and became a soloist clarinet and saxophone player. He attended the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, where he studied conducting and arranging. Malcolm led the band during this period with much success. His concerts were excellent and he frequently acted as compare. During his leadership the band contested at the Guildford Civic Hall, (see the 1981 photograph), and also produced its first LP, recorded at Godalming Borough Hall.

1982-1984: Derek Holland

As a boy in 1970, Derek joined Yiewsley & West Drayton band and whilst a University student he conducted his first concert in 1979; perhaps that led him towards answering an advertisement placed by Godalming band for a conductor in 1982. He was the youngest leader to be appointed in the band’s history. After Godalming, he went on to lead other bands, including West Wycombe, Borehamwood Brass and since 2006, Waltham St Lawrence Band. He is also MD of Uxbridge Music Theatre, has a passion for G&S and works with various Operatic Societies.

←Musical Directors (1937 to 1966) | Musical Directors (1967 to 1984) | Musical Directors (1984 onwards)→