Phil Turner

Musical Director

From the age of 10, Phil has loved playing the cornet, being his sole brass instrument in over 40 years of playing, including two years on soprano cornet.

An only child, he comes from a small but musically talented family; his grandfather had a wonderful tenor voice and his mother is a soprano vocalist and plays the piano beautifully, as did Phil in his youth, a skill he demonstrates on the church organ from time to time. His three sons have continued the musical tradition, two playing piano and guitar and the third enjoying the kit percussion.

Along with his dad Gwyn for encouragement, Phil joined the Cinderford Band on cornet in 1970. Progressing from junior to senior band within weeks, then rapidly moving onto the front row cornet rank under the early tutelage of the well-known Judy Potter (now Bloxsome), he was appointed principal cornet at the age of 16. Holding this position for 34 years, his devotion to the band was unquestionable, coming home from university twice a week for rehearsals. He has enjoyed unequalled local success, being awarded "Best Cornet player of the day" at the GBBA annual contest on no less than 13 occasions between 1973 and 2008, the first at the age of 13 on Eb Soprano.

The late Brian Cooling and Bill Grant were influential in Phil’s early playing career, but it was under the guidance and personal tutoring of his life time friend and mentor, the late, great Cecil Chappell that he really blossomed into the fine musician he is today, his reputation radiating across the Forest of Dean. In 2010, he stepped down as principal cornet to concentrate on conducting, but 2012 saw Phil and his wife, Elaine, moving on from Cinderford Band.

He now thoroughly enjoys playing Deputy Principal Cornet for Lydbrook Silver Band and couples this with his love of conducting, having recently been appointed as Musical Director of Bream Silver Band, a position he is absolutely delighted to hold; his wife Elaine now plays solo baritone for the Band.

Several conducting opportunities presented themselves in recent years, but it’s a "Forest Band" that Phil wants to conduct. “I’m really proud to be a Forester and I’ve loved my years of being a brass bandsman in my locality. I want to give something back to a Forest band and perhaps spark the interest in a 10 year old who will go on to enjoy decades of brass music like me”. Who can argue with that?