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. |