The Desford Band has paid tribute to James Watson – the conductor who led them to four National Championship of Great Britain victories.

Shock

The trumpeter and conductor died unexpectedly on the weekend at his home, and the news came as a great shock to the band, who remember his tenure at the helm with a great deal of lasting affection.

Inspirational

Former principal cornet player David Smith told 4BR: "Jim was an inspirational driving force behind Desford, not just achieving those four memorable National wins, but building a foundation of spirit which has lasted ever since."

David added: "He gave us the understanding that music making was more than just notes, and that every member was just as important as each other. Many of us who were players at Desford also studied with him at the Royal Academy of Music — Steven Stewart, Gareth Small, Phil Bailey, Martin Britt, Rob Samuel to name a few.

We hope to find a fitting way to pay our tribute and remember a truly inspirational conductor and musician, and the wonderful legacy he has leftDavid Smith

Owe so much

As David revealed, the band was to put on a re-union concert later this year in James Watson's honour: "We all owe so much for the inspiration and love of putting music first. Desford had a renuinion concert planned in June with Jim at St. Albans Cathedral, a concert organised by his loving sons who our thoughts are with.

We hope to find a fitting way to pay our tribute and remember a truly inspirational conductor and musician, and the wonderful legacy he has left."