WE'RE LOOKING FOR A NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR!
Cold Ash Brass are searching for a new Musical Director
Cold Ash Brass are searching for a dynamic, detail-oriented musical director to lead our Brass Band.
Applicants should email their details and a conducting/ music CV to secretary@coldashbrass.org.uk by 10th October.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to take a full 2 hour rehearsal between the 24th October and the 7th November, following which the Committee and the Band will communicate our decision, and the new appointment will begin from the 14th November.
JEMMA JOHNSTONE
In July 2024, Jemma informed the band of her difficult decision to step down as musical director after more than 12 years. Jemma's final engagement with the band will be Thatcham's Festival Finale Concert on the 20th October.
Thank you Jemma for everything you have done for the band - your enthusiasm, drive and commitment and of course sparkle! You will be missed by us all.
About Jemma
Jemma began playing the Cornet at the age of 8 with instrumental tuition given through Goodwick Brass Band. Jemma became a member of the Three Counties Youth Brass Band at the tender age of 12. The following year, she became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Jemma was a member of the NYBBW for 8 consecutive years and played under the Musical Direction of James Watson, Robert Childs, Nicholas Childs and Edward Gregson.
In 2004 she was accepted to study music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and gained her Bachelor of Music degree in 2008. Whilst at RWCMD Jemma was also selected to represent Wales as a member of the European Youth Brass Band. Whilst at college she was lucky to have the chance to play with some amazing brass bands in South Wales and jumped at the chance to play with the likes of BTM, Burry Port, Tongwynlais, Flowers Band and The Cory Band.
Since graduating she has made sure that her performing abilities have been kept up to a high standard by playing with the Wantage Band, Jemma now holds the Solo Horn seat and is enjoying the new challenge.