PBTB News

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Turner as our new Musical Director.

Martin Turner grew up in Essex, where his musical education started at the age of eight, becoming a chorister at Brentwood Cathedral and around the same time commencing his studies on piano and violin and subsequently viola, playing for many years with Essex Youth Orchestra. Choral and orchestral tours have seen Martin perform everything from Renaissance music to Jazz all over Europe.

Since moving to Hertfordshire, Martin is more often seen playing piano for musicals with local amateur dramatic companies. Recent productions include Jesus Christ Superstar with Potters Bar Theatre Company, the British amateur premiere production of We Will Rock You with MeMe Productions and The Last 5 Years with Completely Productions. Martin will be working with Completely Productions again next week for their production of Sondheim's Company at The Bull Theatre in Barnet.

Martin lives in Hatfield and currently teaches six instruments in ten different schools as part of his work for Brent Music Service. In 2008 Martin was musical director for Brent Music Service's bi-annual performance at Wembley Arena, which featured 1500 school children singing, playing and generally enjoying a wonderful experience! For the past five years Martin has also been the Director of Music and organist for the Catholic Parish of St Mary & St Andrew in Dollis Hill, London.

Martin's association with Potters Bar Town Band began six years ago, initially as guest conductor. Since then he has been responsible for overseeing the band's development and introducing some of the area's local young talent to the band, whilst working with the main band alongside the previous musical director. In his first year as musical director Martin has continued his work developing the band, fully integrating the junior members into the band, and has led the band in performances at Hatfield House, Canons Park, Brookmans Park, and most recently the Potters Bar Remembrance Day service. Future engagements include more concerts in the area, so keep an eye out for us!

Congratulations to James Munn seen here receiving his award from Musical Director,
Martin Turner, for being the 2010 Player of the Year

The band is happy to give warm wishes to Ian Mitchell with his new band, as the army posting in Northern England makes it impractical for him to commute to Potters Bar.

After our 2nd place success at the regionals in March we were just happy to be taking part in the National Finals let alone win them.

Again with a combined band from Potters Bar Town and Whitewebbs Motor Museum we set to work over the summer rehearsing Philip Sparke's “Four Noble Truths” but with holidays and our MD away working this was no easy task.

Through sheer hard work and a lot of late nights we pulled it into shape and boarded the coach to Harrogate knowing that we could play the piece — but were we good enough to rank amongst the best of the 4th section bands in the country?

After playing 12th in a field of 21 bands the bar became a good base to await the competition's end. Then to the results, which is actually worse on the nerves than playing. No one could have been more shocked than us when we were announced the Winners!!

Potters Bar Town Band joined forces with with Whitewebbs Motor museum Brass Band to enter this year's London and Southern Counties Regional Competition. We produced an inspired performance earning us 2nd place and an invitation to the National Finals to be held in Harrogate on the 11th September 2004.