Solo Horn
Johnathan
Collins
Instrument
Eb Bass
Years with ECB
Favourite Piece
Influences
15+
Triumph of Peace
Roger Webster
About Johnathan
Biography
Upon retiring from work Linda and her partner Bob, who she met through banding, moved to North Yorkshire and was delighted to be able to join Easington Colliery. When asked why she is prepared to travel so far to band she said, 'Playing in a band is such a great joy and a privilege. Easington is a fabulous band with a proud history, ambition, excellent players and conductors. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of that'.
Linda started her brass playing adventure at secondary school. Her music teacher was a tuba player in Kettering Salvation Army and thought it would be a good instrument for her to learn. She then progressed to Daventry Brass Band and the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band conducted by John Berryman.
After leaving school in 1980, Linda became one of the first women to gain a place at the Royal College of Music in London to study tuba, and was taught by John Jenkins. Whilst a student she played for the Hanwell Band in west London conducted by Ian Johnson.
After graduating, Linda moved back to Northamptonshire and became a primary school teacher. She then spent many happy years playing for bands in the Midlands including Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry), Kibworth Band, GUS, Jaguar Land Rover and William Davis Construction Group. During this period Linda had the opportunity to work with notable conductors including Ray Farr, Major Peter Parkes, Ian Scott and again John Berryman. This time included many contest performances including at the National Finals, The British Open and The All England Masters as well as broadcasts on Radio 2 and Radio 3 and memorable concerts.
A Lifetime in Brass
Secondary School
Linda's brass band journey began at secondary school when her music teacher, a tuba player with Kettering Salvation Army, encouraged her to take up the instrument that would shape her musical life.
Royal College of Music
After leaving school, Linda became one of the first women to gain a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, studying tuba under John Jenkins whilst performing with the Hanwell Band.
Contesting Years
Following graduation, Linda combined a teaching career with an extensive brass band career playing for City of Coventry (Jaguar Cars), Kibworth Band, GUS, Jaguar Land Rover and William Davis Construction Group. During this period she performed at the National Finals, British Open and All England Masters, and featured in BBC Radio broadcasts.
Joined Easington
After retiring from teaching and moving north with partner Bob, whom she met through banding, Linda joined Easington Colliery Band, drawn by the band's proud history, ambition and musical excellence.
Today
Today, Linda continues to enjoy brass banding at Easington, bringing decades of experience, musicianship and contesting knowledge to the band's bass section