I began playing at the age of seven when a letter was sent out to my school looking for new recruits,although my dad and his family were already keen bandsmen I had not got into it through them as my dad was taking a break from banding at the time which me and my brother soon cut short! After learning the basics I was put into the youth band which at the time was still fairly respectable, but for some reason,the band soon disbanded. The senior band also came to a head at this point, leaving only around five mature players to help with our very young junior band. This band was the only band in the organisation until an idea was passed around that we should request to be put right back to fourth section and begin a senior band. The senior band then was made up of players from the junior band that could cope with slightly more testing music and two playing parents of members of the junior band, My dad and Claire Trethewy. The band then was conducted by Mr Brush and we made gradual improvement over a few years.Soon other adults joined the band,and it began to sound like a decent fourth section band. We entered a few contests but didn't gain many decent results. My first Area contest was at Bristol and I think the average age of the band was around 10! We came a respectable 10th place. After a good few years Mr Brush decided to retire,which was a shame as we achieved a great deal with his guidance. Brian Minear then took over and has continued to do a superb job with the band ever since taking us from fourth section right up to 1st,and I'm sure he will take the band right to the top section and lead them to the Albert Hall. I moved onto the euphonium after nine years on the baritone and at my second contest won Best euphonium of the day with the youth band which was really exciting! I have enjoyed many a good time with St Dennis band and have made a lot of friends. I feel a great loyalty to the band and hope to be playing for them for many years to come.