Dave Kenny is the epitome of what Lea Hall Brass Band is all about, choosing our band as a vehicle for his return to playing and has quickly risen to the position of Principle Cornet. This is his back story:

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As a 7 year old working class kid in the sixties his Dad was the one who made the decision for him start playing, for which he says he is extremely grateful. Not only did it open his eyes to a world of great music, it also opened the door to vast amounts of fun, friendship and pride – and the store of happy memories that go with it.

In his brass band career, Dave had the great privilege to play across the spectrum of banding from beginner level to championship level and in the process to have helped create music for the enjoyment of all. Whether at garden fetes, local parks, churches, cathedrals, town halls or concert halls, he had the great good fortune to watch audiences enjoy themselves while musicians enjoyed themselves even more!

He is proud to have progressed to Principal Cornet in a Championship Band and is equally proud to now be helping other players to develop. He has featured on the radio and in recording studios! And has had the great thrill of success in competitions, solo, ensemble and full band. He has played solo cornet with a National Band Champion Brass Band “only twice mind, but who’s counting” he says and still gets a buzz from that feeling of accomplishment when, after weeks of practice and rehearsal, you finally get something right!

But, of course, none of this would have been possible without the generosity, patience, skill and enthusiasm of those who had the task of teaching him. He says he was not always an enthusiastic pupil and owes them a massive debt of gratitude. Dave expresses huge gratitude to Mr Percy, Roy Curran, Peter Bright, each of whom drew something from him that he didn’t even know was there. Heroes one and all he says.

Other brass band heroes are inevitably cornet players of his era and earlier. He speaks of Morris Murphy, Jimmy Shephard, Derek Garside and Philip McCann. If these names aren’t familiar, go on U Tube and do a search, then sit back, listen and be inspired. In fact, Dave would urge all brass students to do so. Listen to the best, then try and imitate their style, tone and control, listening to your own sound while you do it.

In fact, Philip McCann, is the reason Dave is still playing today. In 1982, Dave had quit brass banding due to conflicts of work and family v ambitious band commitments. Strangely, to begin with, he didn’t look back. There were too many other things going on. Occasionally a friend might ask why he didn’t take it up again, but his stock response was “there’s no point in going back to doing something less well that you’ve done before”. But in 2024, in a moment of banding nostalgia, Dave was listening to an interview with Philip. He was asked where he now got his inspiration. He said it was from helping others to play and improve. And then the penny dropped.

Dave had been wrong. He had missed something fundamental. As well as the friendship and support being a band member provides, isn’t it also important to give something back. To help our banding community to grow and thrive? Yes, at a personal level it’s important to do things as well as you can, but it’s at least as important to help others to do the same. Dave’s real enjoyment as a player doesn’t come from the hours practicing alone at home (as important as that is), it comes from the hours playing alongside others and sharing the experiences.

So, after a 44-year break, he took the plunge and re-connected with his brass band roots by joining the Lea Hall Brass and. His only regret is that he says he should have done it much, much sooner. He thanks fellow Lea Hall banders - long may it last!

So, if you’re a retired brass bander, it’s time to get back to your roots. Give us a call and don’t look back!