Colum J O'Shea, Musical Director
Born and brought up in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Colum began his musical journey at the age of 7 on the violin before coming to his senses and by starting to learn the cornet at the age of 9. Throughout school he worked through the performance grades and in 2007 became one of the youngest members in his school's history to achieve grade 8.
Since the age of 10, Colum has been playing in brass bands, firstly at Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band, then on to Riddings Band. In 2007 he moved to Blidworth Welfare Band. Colum now plays for the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. With these bands he has had much success as a performer and has made several appearances at the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain.
As a conductor Colum began by assisting at the school band, moving to take the role as the school's Choral Conductor in 2010 to cover staff absence. In the same year he conducted a theatre performance of "Billy Elliot". In 2012, Colum jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Musical Director vacancy at Newark & Sherwood Concert Band and since being voted into the role in January 2013, the band has continued to go from strength to strength. Colum is a firm favourite, not only with band members, but with the audiences. He also has an excellent singing voice.
Brian Newland, the current MD of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Concert Band, is our Deputy Musical Director and will cover any rehearsals and concerts for which Colum is unavailable. Brian has many years experience in conducting and has stepped in to rehearse and conduct us at concerts in the past.
Since the age of 10, Colum has been playing in brass bands, firstly at Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Band, then on to Riddings Band. In 2007 he moved to Blidworth Welfare Band. Colum now plays for the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. With these bands he has had much success as a performer and has made several appearances at the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain.
As a conductor Colum began by assisting at the school band, moving to take the role as the school's Choral Conductor in 2010 to cover staff absence. In the same year he conducted a theatre performance of "Billy Elliot". In 2012, Colum jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Musical Director vacancy at Newark & Sherwood Concert Band and since being voted into the role in January 2013, the band has continued to go from strength to strength. Colum is a firm favourite, not only with band members, but with the audiences. He also has an excellent singing voice.
Brian Newland, the current MD of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Concert Band, is our Deputy Musical Director and will cover any rehearsals and concerts for which Colum is unavailable. Brian has many years experience in conducting and has stepped in to rehearse and conduct us at concerts in the past.