Sykes takes the helm at Woodfalls
Woodfalls Band is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Sykes as its Musical Director. Stephen comes from a family with a long history in brass bands and will be a familiar name to those involved in the brass band movement. His musical journey began at the age of 6 on the cornet and, following a switch to trombone, he quickly progressed as Principal Trombone of the National Children's Orchestra and later the National Youth Orchestra playing under some of the world’s finest conductors in the process.
Within the brass band movement, Stephen has performed with many of the world’s best including Black Dyke, Cory, Tredegar and Fairey bands and has notched up many contest victories including, 2 British Open, 2 Masters, 1 European, 1 National and 2 Grand Shield victories as well as being named ‘Best Instrumentalist’ at the British Open in 2010.
Aside from his work with brass bands he is regularly involved with Orchestras such as, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Welsh National Opera. As a soloist, he won a British Open double in 2006/2007, the title “BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year” in 2009, the Don Lusher Jazz Performance prize in 2010 and has been featured on CD and radio including as an invited soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra. He can be heard on TV’s Doctor Who, Hidden Kingdoms, and Our Girl, as well as session work with the likes of Sting and Bryn Terfel. Stephen has performed under and has been inspired by some of the greatest conductors in the world.
Since the covid pandemic, Stephen has been revisiting conducting with many bands in the southwest, and is now looking forward to the future as the Musical Director of Woodfalls Band. Commenting on the appointment chairman of Woodfalls Paul Street said: “When Stephen took his first rehearsal with us there was a sense of excitement amongst the players that we have found someone willing to put in the hard work and give the musical direction and leadership required to give our band a chance of playing at the top level again. When Stephen expressed an interest in us it was a complete ‘no-brainer’. We cannot wait to work with an MD who wants to be part of our band whilst demonstrating a top class work ethic!”
The band have already enjoyed a number of excellent rehearsals under Stephen’s baton and are looking forward to working with Stephen towards its busy concert and contest schedule following the summer break.
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