One of the great post war conductors of the British brass banding movement is celebrating his 90th birthday on Sunday.

46 years

Dennis Masters was the Musical Director of the Langley Band for 46 years, the band he joined at the age of 12 after taking up the cornet with the Salvation Army.

He also served as a Regimental Principal Cornet player during the Second World War, and in 1941 his playing continued in a freelance capacity as a professional trumpeter.

Teacher

Although his playing career was interrupted he became a full-time teacher, and in 1969 began work at Birmingham School of Music.

He earned widespread respect as both a conductor and adjudicator from that time onwards, and was the recipient of the John Henry Iles Medal awarded by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his services to brass bands in 1985.

Wonderful man

Barry Pope told 4BR: "We are holding a wonderful party for a wonderful man this weekend. I would love to be able to show him the kind wishes and congratulations from the banding community he has served so well from all over the world."

He added: "If anyone who was taught by him, conducted or even met Dennis over the years could get in touch, I would be delighted to pass their messages of congratulations on. I know it will be greatly appreciated."

If anyone who was taught by him, conducted or even met Dennis over the years could get in touch, I would be delighted to pass their messages of congratulations on. I know it will be greatly appreciatedBarry Pope

Send a message

For those wishing to pass on their congratulations, please contact Barry on: bazpope@gmail.com