30 May 2024
Dr Chris Davis OBE is appointed as the new Musical Director of Wantage Concert Brass.
Wantage Concert Brass announces the appointment of Dr Chris Davis OBE, former Principal Director of Music of the Royal Marines, as their new Musical Director.
Chris enjoyed an illustrious 35-year career with the Royal Marines Band Service, eventually becoming the Principal Director of Music in 2002, a position he held for the next seven years. In 2006 after a period of research in composer/conductor collaboration, he gained a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Salford under the mentorship of Professor David King.
Since retiring from the Royal Marines, Chris has been busy as a freelance conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Chris took up the role of Associate Conductor to the world-famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band in 2013, conducting the band in many exciting projects throughout the country, including an association with the folk group The Unthanks, performing with them at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and a collaboration with jazz trumpeter Matthew Halsall.
Chris said of this new challenge, “It is something that has come at the right time, a chance to give something back, to enjoy music making with like-minded people who have high standards of musical excellence and who want to develop and hone those high standards in performance. The Wantage Silver Band organisation is a breath of fresh air, striving to bring music education to everyone by being inclusive rather than selective. This is educational music making with a wonderful positive twist, with over 200 musicians and 9 bands using the premises during the week. It is truly amazing with the sounds of brass and percussion exuding from every available space. I am truly very honoured and proud to be part of this organisation and look forward to making my mark.”