I learnt music at Bridport Grammar School, on piano and recorder and was taught to play euphonium at the Bridport Salvation Army, when I was 12. I joined St Swithun’s (Bridport) Band in 1949 and due to career moves eventually played with Stone Town Band in Staffordshire for 2 years, Michelmersh (Romsey) Band, Test Valley Brass and Chelmsford Town Band. I finally returned to the South West in 1963 where I played with both Axminster and St Swithun’s. I moved to Honiton in 1963 and joined the then ‘Borough Band’ and have played with them ever since, except for a short spell with the Salvation Army Exeter Temple Band. Through the years I have been active in the band and have served as Chairman, Secretary and more recently as tutor and equipment officer. When I retired from the IBA, I also taught brass at Axminster College for short while. Banding has always been a family activity for me and continues be, with my wife Sharon on the cornet bench and my daughter Nichola joining us on trombone when she can.
Jan Feersma Hoekstra - 2nd Euphonium
In the little village where I was born there was a ‘Fanfare’ band - a mixture of brass and woodwind instruments. I became a member when I was 8 years old and joined the band for 5 or 6 years. Then other interesting things came over the horizon, like girls and drinking beer - and I forgot my baritone! Later I often considered playing again, but never actually did. In 2006 I bought a used baritone (not that I had lost my interest in the other things) and started playing again. I could still remember how to play the basic scales, but was aware that I needed lessons again. I found a teacher in Nieuwendijk (Holland) and right from the start it was huge fun again. Last November we moved to Offwell, near Honiton and I was looking for an opportunity to play. I found the website of the Honiton Band where they had a vacancy for 2nd Euphonium. Although I can’t attend every week, I really enjoy playing with these nice people. For me, it’s huge fun.
Geoff Dibsdall - Principal Euphonium