Conductors
John Hinckley’s formative years as a young player with the Brighouse & Rastrick band were the best he could have had. The scene had been set; for this schooling gave him the foundation not only as a musician but more importantly it gave him the essential experience of loyalty and camaraderie. He learnt too about the value of inspiration, both from conductors and his peers. In short, it gave him the background to succeed in today’s modern world of brass bands as conductor of many of the top bands in the land.
John Hinckley had an enviable reputation as the flugel horn player with B&R, a band he was very proud to be a member of from 1974 –1992. As a player he won every competition in the calendar, the British Open Championships, the National Brass Band Championships, the European Championships, the Yorkshire Championships and many others, most of them on more than one occasion. A very significant part of his playing days was the unique involvement with the “Floral Dance” recording and all that came with it.
Conducting started with a 5 year apprenticeship as resident conductor with the unexpectedly successful Marple Band followed by a 7 year period as the musical director of the celebrated Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. Spectacular progress was made, notable contest achievements including winning the Yorkshire Area in 1999, arguably the most difficult of them all. They won the Grand Shield enabling a return to the much coveted British Open Championships and top 3 placings at the All England Masters Championships.
Since 2002 John has effectively worked as a freelance conductor, his full time job until recently, has not allowed him to devote the time required to be musical director with any one band. He has had some good success on both the contest and concert platform with a variety of famous names, amongst others they include Besses o’th Barn, CWS (Glasgow), Yorkshire Imperial, Mount Charles, Wire Brass and most recently with Wingates Band, leading them to their best result in competition for over 20 years.
A change professionally has meant more time can be given to this demanding hobby. John is very pleased to have a full time position once again, especially with the Point of Ayr Colliery Band. A band with a very “interesting” past, in 2002 the band disbanded but the resolve of the players was too strong and they reformed 18 months ago. The message was very clear and remarkably they are already Welsh Champions 1st Section. Promoted back to the premier level in January 2010, they are ready to do battle at the highest level. John accepted the position of Professional Conductor to the Tullis Russell band in Oct 2008 and was very successful at the 2008 Pontins Championships against very strong UK competition and also lead the band to third place at Scottish Championships in Dundee 2009.
