Richard Wilton – MD Senior Band

Richard started learning to play the tuba at the tender age of 8 under the tutelage of cornet virtuoso Graham Walker and began his banding career as a member of the Hambleton Brass Band in 1983. After 10 happy years with the band, Richard inevitably moved into the realms of top banding with the world famous Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band as their principal tuba player. During his time there the band had many successes culminating in becoming Yorkshire Area Champions in 1999.

After a short spell with the Sellers International Band under the directorship of cornet legend Phillip McCann, Richard fulfilled his childhood ambition of joining the bass section of the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, travelling extensively around Australasia, the United States and Europe. During his time with the band, Richard enjoyed many successes including back to back area championships, an unprecedented five in a row Brass in Concert titles and, the highlight surely, becoming National Champion Band of Great Britain in 2006.

Richard returned to his banding roots at South Milford Brass (formerly Hambleton Brass) in 2005, but this time as Musical Director. After a very happy and successful period with the band, culminating in becoming North of England Champions in 2008 and 2009 Richard decided it was time to move on. Richard has now been with Shepherds for six years and his enthusiasm, passion and drive have taken the band to unprecedented new highs. Furthermore, his full time job as a Peripatetic Music Teacher means he is an expert in all things brass – the perfect all-rounder for our future generation of players!