Paul Williams started his musical journey at Oakmead School, finding his home on percussion with lessons from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Chris Guy and the late great James Blades. He later gained a place at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music where he studied composition with Anthony Gilbert, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Sir Harrison Birtwistle winning several prizes along the way. New York publisher HaMar Percussion Publications now publishes Paul’s music.

 

Paul is the Musical Director at the Downton Band based near Salisbury and also holds the position of Bandmaster at Woodfalls Band; a role that on occasion sees him conduct the highly regarded local championship section outfit. One such occasion included the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when Paul had the pleasure of conducting Woodfalls in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.

 

Paul has been principal percussionist with Woodfalls for over thirty years, during which time he’s worked with the likes of Major Peter Parkes, James Watson, Franz Violet, Gary Cutt, Frank Renton, Melvin White, Nicholas Childs and the band’s current Musical Director, Robert Childs. He has also guested for numerous world-famous brass bands including Cory, Black Dyke, and Brighouse and Rastrick. In addition to being a proud bandsman Paul also works as a freelance orchestral percussionist, plays drum kit for the folk rock band 'The Darwins' and holds prestigious teaching posts at Poole Grammar School, Bournemouth School and King Edward VI School.

 

We are delighted to welcome Paul to the North American Brass Band Summer School.