Sam Davis
Musical Director-Sam Davis
Sam is a young and exciting choir director in the Forest of Dean. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist playing Trumpet, Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Drums and he sings a little too.
Starting as a brass player, Sam enjoyed 7 years as a member of Lydbrook Brass Band where he played Cornet. During his time with Lydbrook, Sam was fortunate enough to work with some of the top conductors in the country and Europe. Sam was also fortunate enough to get into the first ever Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band competing at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Manchester for 3 years. Sam was made Principal Cornet of the Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band in 2007 and in 2008 was awarded player of the year by his fellow band members and the staff. He has competed at solo contests around the South West, winning the Forest of Dean Young Musician of the year in 2011.
Until recently Sam was Musical Director of the Forest of Dean Area Wind Band, which he has been involved with for many years in different roles and has enjoyed lots of success over this time, including a number of performances at the National Finals of Music for Youth at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Sam studied music A level at Wyedean Sixth Form and it was during his time here that he went on to form a Jazz group called Shmuck with 3 friends, performing at a variety of school events and local performances, and also took part in school music tours to Florence, Paris and Italy. He has always enjoyed playing rock music and plays drums in local rock bands, playing gigs around the Forest and Wye Valley.
Sam is also involved with music at Coleford Baptist Church where is now the full time Pastor.
Sam formed Coleford Community Choir in February 2011 and although is relatively new to choral conducting, he has enjoyed watching the choir grow from strength to strength and achieve lots of success, especially at Herefordshire Performing Arts Festival. Sam makes sure that rehearsals are fun and engaging, but at the same time has high standards which helps to push the choir forward.
Stan Harris
Assistant Musical Director – Stan Harris
Stan joined the choir in December 2012. He has an amazing knowledge of music both academically and instrumentally. He started playing the cornet at the age of 6 and within 2 months, he was playing third cornet with Berry Hill Band.
By the age of 11, Stan was solo cornet in the front row. Stan was able to play all the instruments in the band with the exception of the trombone – he says his arms were too short! He also played soprano cornet with the band.
Stan stayed with the band until 1995. When he broke his shoulder & collar bone playing rugby. During this time, the band progressed from Section 4 to Section 1.
In 1986, Stan was entered in the Herefordshire Youth Music Association competition at short notice & won his section. The same year he was invited by the West of England Youth Brass Band for a residential in Dorset. Where he played with young people from all over the UK.
In 1987, Stan achieved Grade 8 music. This has enabled him to have a high level of practical skills and a thorough understanding of the theory of music. These skills certainly shows through during our choir practice meetings.
He taught himself to play guitar and drums & completed several productions with the Forest Theatre, playing guitar, drums, double bass & trumpet.
Stan plays guitar & drums with Coleford Baptist Church worship group as well as Coleford Community Choir.
Stan has always had a love of music and started by playing pots and pans in his bedroom as a toddler.. Stan loves all genres of music and plays because he loves it and he has fun. He also loves quizzes and has an amazing memory for facts and dates. His favourite band is The Beatles.