Conductors

In 1997, the Principal and Founding Conductor of Meridian Winds was Peter White, who is well-known in the wind band world as an arranger/ composer, conductor and teacher. Peter was trumpet soloist with the Coldstream Guards Band prior to joining the London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble as first trumpet and Musical Director. He has played with all the major Orchestras in London and the provinces as well as in several West End shows. He was also principal trumpet with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra for several years. Peter is now Head of Brass Studies at Southampton University where he also teaches conducting and conducts the student Concert Band.

"Peter White, Founding Conductor of Meridian Winds, rehearsing at The Royal Northern College of Music, BASBWE Festival, 1998. Soloist Rob Buckland, saxophone"

From 1999 until October 2003, the Principal Conductor of Meridian Winds was Tim Norris who comes from Bournemouth and is a graduate of King Alfred’s College, Winchester and a Licentiate of The Royal Schools of Music. Tim was a member of the band of the Junior Musicians Troop, Royal Artillery, Woolwich before moving to the Staff Band Royal Corps of Signals. As a conductor Tim has conducted bands, choirs and orchestras at numerous National Festivals. As a keen tuba player, Tim has played with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and in 1989 became a co-founder of The Wessex Brass Quintet. Since 1991 Tim has taught as a brass instrumental teacher for the Hampshire Music Service, The Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, The University of Southampton and numerous schools and colleges. In 1993 together with four colleagues Tim formed the Winchester Music School based at King Alfred’s College, Winchester.

"Tim Norris Principal Conductor, Meridian Winds (1999 - 2003)"

From 2001 to 2002, Katrina Sheffield was an Associate Conductor of Meridian Winds. Katrina comes from Devon and began to play the cello at the age of 10. At the age of 11, Katrina joined the Okehampton College Orchestra where she met "the best teacher and conductor ever", Mr. John Holland. After GCSEs and A levels in English, Drama and Music, Katrina went, in September 2000, to King Alfred’s College, Winchester where she studied for a Bachelelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts.Katrina often sings with the band.

"Katrina Sheffield Associate Conductor, Meridian Winds (2001 - 2002"

For the season 2002-2003, Paul Swindale was appointed as the second Associate Conductor of Meridian Winds. Born in Clatterbridge, Merseyside, on 24th December 1980, Paul began his musical life as a violinist. Paul graduated from Southampton University in July 2002 with a BA (Hons) in Music. Paul's conducting career started later in his educational life, when he began learning with Peter Stark, and was appointed as Assistant Conductor for the University Sinfonietta. During his time at university, Paul was active as a guest conductor for various ensembles, including the University Symphony Orchestra and Contemporary Music Ensemble. In 2001, Paul was appointed as Music Director for Southampton University Operatic Society. Since leaving university, Paul has been active as a violinist in the south of England, and has performed in many parts of Europe and the United States. In June 2002, Paul made his professional conducting debut in a concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon. This concert was the final of a competition (in which Paul received first prize), recorded for broadcast on Channel 4 later in the year.

"Paul Swindale Associate Conductor, Meridian Winds (2002 - 2003)"

David King became the Principal Conductor of Meridian Winds in November 2003. After five years as a clarinettist in the RAF Central Band, David studied for three years at the Royal Academy of Music for his degree and also for a diploma in conducting. He spent four years as a school teacher in Sussex before changing direction and becoming a peripatetic woodwind teacher for Hampshire. In 1983, he took over as Director of The Southampton Wind Band and has recently celebrated 20 years with the band next year. He is busy as a recitalist and teacher in the Southampton area and until recently was also director of a clarinet group specifically for elderly people. He also runs two clarinet chorales for Southampton Music Services. David also plays clarinet with Meridian Winds when he is not conducting.

Simon Morgan took over from David King as Musical Director in January 2005. Simon is a woodwind instrumental teacher who works for Hampshire Music Service in the Waterside Area, close to the New Forest. He is also Director of the Waterside Area Youth Bands and Orchestras. His first musical work was as a chorister at Westminster Cathedral Choir School at the tender age of seven (nearly eight!). Now actively involved in the Southampton Concert Wind Band and the Hampshire Ex-Servicemen's Concert Band, he also had 24 years service with the Royal Marines Band Service, joining as a junior musician at the age of sixteen, studying saxophone and violin. Simon retired from the Corps in 1996 in the rank of Warrant Officer Bandmaster. His service took him all over the world, ashore and afloat, including the Far East, Middle East, Russia, most of Europe and the USA. For a time he was Chief Instructor of Higher Training at the Royal Marines School of Music, with responsibility for training future Band Sergeants and Bandmasters, and regularly deployed abroad in charge of the Royal Marines Band of Commander in chief, Fleet. Simon is married to Dawn, and lives in Totton, near Southampton.

"Simon Morgan, Current Principal Conductor, Meridian Winds "