Dave Lea, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Band has finally been able to enjoy a little bit of a rest following a memorable couple of months in his musical life.

After leading Brass Band Regensburg to victory in the Second Division of the German National Championships in Bad Kissingen in Bavaria in April, he then steered Jaguar Land Rover to the British Open after coming runner-up at the Grand Shield in Blackpool.

Dedicated Service Award

At the recent All England Masters International Championship he was the deserved recipient of the 'Masters Dedicated Service Award', whilst last weekend he led Jaguar Land Rover at the prestigious English Music Festival at Dorchester Abbey — performing a programme of classic brass band repertoire.

"It really has been a couple of months to remember,"he told 4BR. "There was a sense of personal satisfaction in helping Brass Band Regensburg to the German National title. I've been working with the band now for a number of years and their development has been immense.

The enjoyment they gain from wanting to improve and develop, as well as understand the music they perform is so refreshing. Germany could well become a real force in European brass banding in the years to come — and I hope Regensburg plays its part."

Grand Shield

As for the Grand Shield success and the return to the British Open for the first time since the year 2000, Dave feels that has also come about through a great deal of hard work from his band.

"Many people may have been surprised, but to tell you the truth, I wasn't. The band as a whole has really moved up through the gears in the past few years — aided by the support from the company.

We have a great relationship with Jaguar Land Rover — always positive and constructive. Returning to the British Open has boosted that further."

Humbled

Dave has also been humbled by the messages he received following the presentation of the 'Masters Dedicated Service' award in Kettering (above).

"It has really been amazing,"he added. "To receive the award from David Read who I admire so much was something to cherish, but the messages I have received literally from all over the banding world was incredible."

To receive the award from David Read who I admire so much was something to cherish, but the messages I have received literally from all over the banding world was incredibleDave Lea

English music

A memorable few weeks was finally rounded off with Jaguar Land Rover's performance at the English Music Festival, playing music that is close to Dave's heart.

"Getting to work on compositions from the likes of Holst, Horovitz, Howells, Arnold, Ireland and Elgar is a dream come true for a conductor like me,"he added.

"Work's such as 'Pageantry' and 'The Severn Suite' are the foundations on which our brass band musical heritage has been built, so to be able to perform them to such an appreciative audience rounded things off perfectly."