Derek Holland BA(hons), ARCM
Derek Holland has been the conductor of Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band since March 2006.
Derek`s association with the world of brass bands goes back to 1970 when he joined Yiewsley and West Drayton Band as a boy of nine. He conducted his first concert in 1979 whilst studying Music and English at London University. He has worked extensively with both professional and amateur musicians and in addition to Waltham St Lawrence band, he is MD of Uxbridge Musical Theatre and Borehamwood Brass in Hertfordshire. He has previously held the same position with, amongst others, St Sebastian Wokingham Band, Yiewsley and West Drayton Band, Godalming Band and Julian Light Operatic Society in Ealing. He has also acted as MD to Bourne End Operatic Society, Guildford Light Orchestra, Southall Operatic Society and most recently, Hanwell & Ealing Operatic Society.
Derek is a primary school teacher by profession, and enjoys teaching the whole curriculum (emphatically not just Music!) He has a wide love of orchestral, operatic and show music, especially that of British composers, including some who are rather more obscure and a special affection for the traditional brass band repertoire, much of which is unduly neglected these days.
Derek`s other interests and passions include steam railways, the countryside, history, English literature, collecting LPs and 78s and looking after his seven pet rats, who have also accompanied him to school and even to operatic rehearsals certain days of the week!