40 years, that is, of brass band conducting that have been enjoyed by Keith Wilkinson.

40 year journey

His 40 year musical journey started in 1969, while Keith was still a student at the University of Manchester. He was invited to become bandmaster of Ashton-Under-Lyne Salvation Army Band, and then, following his appointment as professor at the University of Nottingham, he became bandmaster of Derby Central SA Band.

Both SA bands became nationally recognized under Keith’s baton.

Contesting

Keith entered the world of contesting in 1976 when he was appointed MD of Teversal Colliery Band. Success followed soon after and the band achieved promotion to the Championship Section during Keith’s tenure.

Noticed

Keith’s successes were being noticed and in 1977 he accepted the invitation to become assistant MD at GUS Band, and then, in 1978, he became MD.

The band regularly appeared with suuccess at the National Finals and British Open as well as winning BBC’s 'Best Of Brass' competition on two occasions.

In 1985 Keith moved to the William Davis Construction Group Band where successes continued. Both GUS and WDCG made a number of overseas tours, including highly successful visits to Switzerland.

In 2008, Keith was presented the God And Country Music Award by The Salvation Army and Brass Band of Columbus for 'his outstanding contributions to brass banding in USA, Britain and Europe'4BR

Demand

Keith was also in demand as guest conductor with other bands, most notably Newtongrange, who he guided to the first Scottish Champion title in their long history, and Brass Band Fribourg in Switzerland.

He was delighted to return to Newtongrange in 2004 to assist them in regaining Championship Section status by winning the First Section title at the Scottish Championships.

American move

Moving to America in 1996, Keith became conductor of the North East Ohio Youth Band with which he toured Sweden, Finland and Estonia in 1999.

Shortly after his arrival a number of enthusiastic players formed Brass Band Of The Western Reserve, a band which has gone from strength to strength especially with its popular concert series.

The band has also just completed the recording of its sixth CD.

Ohio Youth

Keith is currently the musical director of Chapel Brass, a band which started life as the Central Ohio Youth Band in 2001. Opportunities to appear as guest conductor have continued in both USA and Canada, including being Principal Guest Conductor of St Louis Brass Band from 2000 to 2002.

Presentation

In March, 2008, Keith was presented the God And Country Music Award by The Salvation Army and Brass Band of Columbus for 'his outstanding contributions to brass banding in USA, Britain and Europe'.

Keith tried his hand at brass band orchestration while still in school and this aspect of banding has continued to hold his attention.

Publishing

He has more than 80 published arrangements with publishers in Britain, Switzerland and USA. Some of his arrangements have been used as test pieces at major championships.

And now he is looking forward to a musical life at 40...