Last Update 6/9/2010

Dr. Stephen Cobb became bandmaster of The International Staff Band in 1994. In that position he has ably followed some of The Salvation Army's most famous conductors.

Since his appointment, Stephen has led The International Staff Band through an exciting period of innovation that has seen the band's profile in the wider brass band movement significantly raised.

As Bandmaster of The International Staff Band, and until recently Bandmaster of the Hendon Salvation Army Band, Stephen has achieved the highest standards of musicianship and musical ministry, providing outstanding models for the world­wide Salvation Army musical fellowship. Recordings, concerts, and international tours with both ensembles have received the highest critical praise and affirmation.

During his 29 years' leadership of the band at Hendon, Stephen led them on no less than eight overseas tours and produced some fifteen recordings with the band. As one of the UK Territory's highest profile corps bands, he ensured that their schedule of engagements stood with equal significance alongside their regular Sunday ministry in the local corps and community.

The International Staff Band's recent appearances in major brass banding events, including the Gala Concert following the National Brass Band Championships and other shared concert and recording projects with both the Black Dyke Band and Buy As You View Band have been rewarding and stimulating. Two recent recordings by Stephen and The International Staff Band have received notable acclaim, the double-CD 'Origins' and 'St Magnus: The Music of Kenneth Downie'.

A music educator by profession and training (his initial degrees the MA and BA (Hons) Cert-Ed), in July 2006 Dr Cobb completed the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, in instrumental conducting, at Salford University. Since April 2001, Dr Cobb has been serving as Territorial Music Director for the United Kingdom Territory, overseeing all aspects of SA musical activity. Prior to this appointment, the first non-Officer member to hold the prestigious position, he worked as the United Kingdom's Territorial Bandmaster.

His innovative leadership in SA music has brought about a renewed vigour to that great musical tradition, marked symbolically by the establishment of the Territorial Youth Band (directed by Dr Cobb), a group made up of the finest young players in the territory.

Stephen Cobb's initial reputation was secured as a cornet soloist, both at Hendon and within The International Staff Band, having come from a family of talented bandmasters and soloists. He has passed on that legacy to his own sons, who have proved to be outstanding cornetists in their own right.

Dorothy was appointed leader of the International Staff Songsters in November 2003.

She grew up in Glasgow, Scotland and attended Paisley, Parkhead and Govan Corps (churches), studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Glasgow University, post-graduate study then brought her to the South West of England.

She is the Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School where she works with many of the best young musicians and teachers in England. Dorothy is married to Gary and they have two sons, Matthew and David. She attends the Bristol Easton corps of the Salvation Army where she has been Songster pianist, Singing Company Leader and Songster Leader, this has involved travelling both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Dorothy has been active in teaching at United Kingdom's Territorial Music School and is passionate about vocal music in the Salvation Army; her desire is that vocal groups should excite, challenge and inspire their listeners.