David Loukes

David Loukes received his early musical training in the Salvation Army, becoming Solo Trombonist with the Chalk Farm Band. He was awarded a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music where he studied Trombone with Denis Wick and Brass Band scoring with Frank Wright. In 1967, he was appointed Assistant Principal Trombone with the Halle Orchestra. After seven years with the orchestra, during which time he also free-lanced with many of the country’s leading orchestras, he turned to the world of education, joining the staff of the (then) Salford College of Technology.

He played a major role in the establishment of the groundbreaking course in Band Musicianship. During this time, he also started his career in brass band conducting - which would lead to appointments with such bands as Black Dyke – combining full-time positions with professional conductorships and adjudication throughout Britain.

David moved to Cornwall in 1990 for his first spell as Musical Director of the St. Austell Band. Prior to returning to St. Austell Town Band in May 2003, he had held regular positions with Redruth, St. Keverne and JAG Mount Charles. He has always enjoyed teaching and conducting young musicians, and so was delighted to be asked to become Senior Tutor to the Cornwall Youth Brass Band.

Away from education and brass bands, David enjoys cooking, using ingredients and recipes from all over the world.