Trinity Concert Band
Welcome to our Website
About the band
Earley's Trinity Concert Band was founded by Michael Steele in July 2001 in order to bring together musicians who enjoy playing in a group of friendly, like-minded and mutually-supportive people.
The Trinity Concert Band has grown in size and now has over 50 playing members whose enthusiasm and dedication has resulted in presenting and performing concerts to a very high standard. Our concerts and events are always designed to entertain with "music for all tastes" which are enjoyed by our appreciative and loyal audiences.
Following Michael's retirement in 2006, the band has continued under the baton of Peter Cole who has helped the band to rapidly gain a reputation for not only the quality of its playing but the depth and breadth of its repertoire.
The Band very much appreciates the generous and continuing support of The Patrons of Trinity Concert Band, and have received grants from The Earley Charity, The Arts Council of England, Awards for All, The Earley Town Council and The Wokingham District Council. 2007 is developing into another busy musical year for the Band - see the Concert list for planned engagements.
Peter Cole - Musical Director
Peter Cole saw his first band at 8 years old - hanging over the balcony at a Salvation Army concert in South London . From that moment, he had no other ambition than to play a brass instrument. After a brief spell on the tenor horn (while his arms grew long enough) he moved to trombone. He studied under John Edney (Principal, Royal Opera House Orchestra) and Jack Pinches (Principal, BBC Symphony Orchestra) and became the principal trombone of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra. At the age of 18 he had his first experience of professional playing - in the pit orchestra for "Half a Sixpence" in the West End . However, finding that playing the same music for weeks on end was less than stimulating for a Gemini, and being advised that he was not the stuff of which megastars are made, he decided to make his living as an engineer and pursue music as a hobby.
His affinity with brass bands, stemming from his Salvationist background, remained with him. In the 70's he played with City of Coventry Band , a top Championship band; he only left when his family demanded more (or at least some!) of his time. Seeking new experiences, he co-founded the Atherstone Choral Society and saw it develop into a nationally acclaimed ensemble, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, Southwark, Coventry and Worcester Cathedrals and theatres around the country.
When work brought him to Berkshire in 1982, he continued to sing, joining Wokingham Choral Society. Disappointed that this august body did not share his partiality for beer, Peter once again picked up his trombone, which had lain dormant for 6 years, and joined Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band. Then at the age of 48, looking for a change, he dabbled with the tuba, giving him new opportunities in bands and orchestras. He is now very much a wandering minstrel, playing trombone or tuba for anybody who offers a couple of pints.
Throughout his life, Peter has conducted a number of bands and choirs, though Trinity Concert Band is Peter's first formal appointment as a Musical Director. His two principles are that music should be fun for both players and audiences, and that real satisfaction comes when music is played properly and with attention to detail. Though having eschewed a professional musician's life, he subscribes to professional values.
Peter is married to Louise and lives in a listed house in Ashford Hill that "needed a bit of work doing". He divides his time between his music, building projects and woodland management.