Kieran Bird (Solo Eb Bass)
Kieran Bird started playing the Eb Bass with Swindon Gorse Hill Salvation Army at the age of 7 (When the instrument was still bigger than him!) As member of neighbouring band Brunel Brass for over 10 years, Kieran enjoyed great success winning the 4th section and progressing all the way up to the championship section in a very short space of time. He then decided to join the Army as a musician in 2014 and was assigned to the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, where he still is today. After helping out the band on a few contests, Kieran decided to join full time in 2018 after the Triumph of Blackpool and is looking forward to progressing with the band, competing at major contests. In his spare time, Kieran enjoys keeping fit by going to the gym and swimming.
Jake Bartlett (Eb Bass)
Jake started playing at the age of 5 on Euphonium before moving on to Tuba age 9.
He joined the National Childrens Orchestra age 10 and moved over to the National Childrens Brass Band and then the National Youth Brass Band where he is a member today.
Starting his Brass Band journey with Poole Borough Brass Band under his dad as the conductor he progressed to Verwood Concert Brass before moving to Aldbourne in October 2023.
Jake is currently studying for his A levels with his sights set on a career in Music.
Phil Ockwell (Bb Bass)
Having picked up a bugle in the Boys Brigade I was soon playing a trumpet with Cricklade Band and Ferndale School, through which I joined the Aldbourne junior band on cornet under the wing of Don Keene in 1975. Although playing with the main band, I made the full time commitment in 1978.
Since then played solo trombone for many years including a memorable hat trick at the Reading contest and concert at St David’s Hall. In the 90’s moved to bass trombone and then finally to Bb bass when Rick Bendle retired in the 00’s and we had 4 trombones.
With the band I have had the honour of being chairman for many years and also treasurer.
Outside of band, married to Jane and we live in Blunsdon. I and am a self employed IT consultant after working for Rover/BMW for 26 years, and, more surprisingly, a part time coach driver for Aldbournes Barnes Coaches (thank you Li!).
Dave Richard (Bb Bass)
