Alex Bland – Musical Director
Biography
Alex was born and raised in Leicester and began learning trombone at the age of 8 as it was the only remaining instrument in the school. He soon progressed and joined the Croft Silver Band at the age of 10. Soon after this, he joined the Leicestershire Music Service (LSMS) and took part in all their ensembles, eventually working up throughout the ranks to become principal trombone of both the Symphony Orchestra and the Big bands resulting in a number of European tours and multiple performances at both Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
Alex later joined the Wigston band under the musical direction of Garry Sleath on bass trombone. Garry also then began teaching Alex and under his guidance, Alex achieved a merit in both Grade 8 tenor trombone and bass trombone (ABRSM) performance and grade 8 music theory (ABRSM) before the age of 17, something he is still immensely proud of.
As well as performing in the LSMS ensembles and the Wigston band, Alex then joined Youth Brass 2000 under the esteemed direction of Lord Chris Jeans, a ideal of his. During the 4 years as a member, he again progressed to the 1st trombone seat with the experience of many incredible opportunities and European tours throughout his 4 years there.
In 2014, Alex was encouraged to audition for NYBBGB and he successfully secured a place on bass trombone for 4 courses over a 2 year period prior to moving to Aberystwyth to study Marine and Freshwater Biology in 2015. This led to some incredible exposure to and conducting lessons by some of the best in the world; Bramwell Tovey, Michelle Rakkers (Presidents own band), Nicholas Childs, Edward Gregson and Peter Graham.
During his time in Wales Alex joined the championship section band Burry Port Town which allowed him the opportunity to perform alongside Cory and Tredegar at the welsh brass band championship along with performing at the grand shield contest in Blackpool.
Further to this, Alex was appointed musical director of the university’s musical theatre society where he taught students and conducted 2 extremely challenging shows, Thoroughly Modern Millie and the Drowsy Chaperone.
After 3 years in Wales Alex then moved to Edinburgh to study for a masters in Marine Biotechnology. During this time, Alex spent a year playing with the Kirkintilloch band on solo trombone in which he won the Scottish 1st section championships, one of many highlights of his banding career so far.
Upon returning to Leicester after finishing his time studying around the U.K., Alex joined the Hathern band again on solo trombone and stayed there for one year before being offered the solo trombone position at Foresters Brass in March 2020. Due to the Covid pandemic, Alex’s opportunities to perform with the ancient order were limited.
In November 2021 Alex was offered the solo trombone seat with the Enderby Brass Band. This was a band local to Alex and one he admired since he started playing – having also had a guest appearance with the youth band back in the day. Alex stayed with Enderby band for 2 years which included some great performances at the top level of midlands brass banding and a return to performing at the spring festival in 2022. Alex departed from Enderby band in January 2023 to pursue his professional musical ambitions of conducting, teaching and performing in ensembles as a freelance musician
As of March 2023, Alex works for the Leicestershire Music Service as a peripatetic music teacher, low brass specialist.
Alex is delighted to accept the offer of musical director of BM&W brass band. To be given this opportunity, especially with an organisation which is so community focussed, is a great honour. He is greatly looking forward to the challenges which lay ahead and hopes to bring new, exciting and inventive concert programmes to audiences far and wide.