A long-serving stalwart of the Bestwood Welfare ‘Black Diamonds’ Band, Brian G. Draper, has been awarded the Diploma of Honour by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in recognition of his significant contribution to the brass band movement over many years.

Prestigious award

Brian was presented with the prestigious award by Robert Mulholland, a Liveryman of the Company, at the Midlands Regional qualifying contest of the National Brass Band Championships at Bedworth, Warwickshire, on Sunday, March 14.

Brian was given a warm ovation by the large audience awaiting results of the Fourth section in which Brian, recently recovered from a serious angina attack, conducted Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds.

Proud

"I am very proud and humbled by this award," said Brian, "It has always been a privilege to teach young people whether in the classroom or as an instrumental teacher, and I never in a thousand years did I dream that such an award would come my way."

It has always been a privilege to teach young people whether in the classroom or as an instrumental teacher, and I never in a thousand years did I dream that such an award would come my wayBrian Draper

Career

Brian began learning to play the euphonium at Greenwood Secondary school for boys at 11 years of age under teacher and mentor Joseph Morley, with whom he kept a life long friendship.

During his final school year he was asked to join Bestwood Colliery Band and within three months was promoted to principal euphonium, a position he held for 21 years.

His career was greatly influenced by a number of musical directors and trainers, particularly Charles Aaron Cooper, Norman Brown, John Baldwin and Bernard Wilson.

Love of teaching

Brian’s love of teaching began with the youngsters of the Carlton Silver Band. After four years in the mining industry, he joined the peripatetic instrumental staff of both Nottingham and Derbyshire County Councils.

He graduated from Huddersfield Polytechnic with LLCM (TD) and FLCM qualifications and, after gaining teaching Certificate of Education, he served 22 years as a music teacher at Holgate Comprehensive School.

Conductor

His conducting career began with Notts CISWO Band, then he served Pleasley Welfare, Carlton Silver, Kirkby Welfare, Shirebrook Welfare and Dronfield before rejoining Bestwood He is an active member of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors.

As the President of the North East Midlands BB Association, he was made Honorary Life Vice President when in 1999 he decided to move to Thailand, to teach and play there.

Bestwood return

On his return to England in 2003 he was appointed Musical Director of the Bestwood Band where he remains.

"Teaching either in the classroom or as an instrumental teacher has always been a privilege and one of the things I would never change about my life. To have been involved in guiding many young and older people through their musical lives will always be with me," said Brian.

Scores

It is estimated that scores of Brian’s former pupils are playing professionally in orchestras around the world, and many more are enjoying their involvement in amateur music-making with thanks to the part he played in their learning.