MEMBERS of Stannary Brass Band are in tune with good music. Bookings keep rolling in and the players have a diary that will keep them busy right up to Christmas.

This year Stannary is playing under the baton of new musical director Peter Jones.

Peter, who moved to Tavistock from Bournemouth a year ago, has an impressive musical pedigree. Now 43 he has been playing for 32 years — beginning in brass bands as a youngster in the North East.

'I'm most keen to keep youngsters coming into the band and bringing them on — because otherwise a band will wilt,' he says.

Peter has performed with the National Junior Philharmonic Orchestra and knows the virtue of encouraging youngsters in a worthwhile interest.

For 15 years he was in the Royal Horse Guards and played at a number of state occasions — including the Queen's 60th birthday.

'I just love music — it is in my blood,' he says. 'At Stannary we have an open door policy. Anyone who wants to can come along and give us a try. There is no minimum standard or age. If people want to come along they can.'

About 50 per cent of the band consists of youngsters and Peter says the band has a 'family feel' with mums, dads and their children taking part.

'If people are prepared to work hard at the training anyone can get to where they want to be. We have players that come along come rain or shine — and that commitment should ensure they get on.'

Band rehearsals at West Devon Borough Council offices are on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm . On Wednesdays the training band and start up band rehearses from 6pm to 7.15pm and then the main band practices from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The band is now getting re-booked 'on the spot'. The musicians had only got half way through an engagement at a recent village fete when the organisers signed them up for next year.

'I have a real thing about music. If this town had five bands that's fine. The more the merrier — because all I'm really concerned about is that people come and have a go,' says Peter.

'If anyone wants to blow they can blow! It is a family band with people just enjoying themselves. Stannary is a democracy — but when I have the baton in my hand I'm in charge!'

He says what keeps the band going and the public happy is that Stannary go out and do concerts and people put in coffers.

'We are building on what we have got, and bringing in newer pieces of music. We know how to put a programme together and how to entertain people.'

When Peter joined Stannary first he says he was completely surprised at the number of engagements that the band had. 'Most bands would go out once or twice a month — not two or three times a weekend!

'Not everybody attends every concert because they have other things to do. The players have another life but the band always has fun afterwards. It is all very social,' said Peter, who is regional manager with the UK Civil Service Benefit Society Limited.

'It is a question of striking the right balance between the music and the social thing. I expect a decent standard of playing and I expect the players to work. But at the end of the day it is important that I make sure they know I appreciate what they do.'

Stannary, now in its fifth year, receives no sponsorship and doesn't even charge for membership. Money for instruments, uniforms and music sheets are raised by the band's bookings.

'I get my buzz from raising a band from one standard to a higher one. That's what I'm all about.'

When he moved in to the area he looked around for a band to join and decided Stannary was the best choice.

However it was not long before the retiring musical director John Forrest asked if he would like to take over.

Stannary pro Steve Gray said Peter was the perfect man for the job.

'Someone filling that post has to be outgoing and take no messing. But it is control with humour — we do have our laughs.'

As well as funding itself Stannary Brass Band has raised a total of £1,500 for various charities over the past two years.

Steve says the band has just had confirmation that the Tamar Concert Choir is going to join Stannary for its Christmas concert at Tavistock Church on Saturday, December 16.

'Once again the band's patron Edward Woodward has agreed to host the evening, providing he has no professional commitments,' said a delighted Steve.

'We have also been invited to play at Buckland Abbey during the Dartmoor Festival of Music — and Edward Woodward will be present at that concert.'

People, it appears, certainly enjoy the sound of Stannary.