David Johnson F.T.C.L

Under the tutelage of Jack Burch (is there anyone this guy hasn't taught), David (Davi) began playing Cornet at 12 years old. Shortly after that he attended the S.E.E.L.B School of Music at Ballinahinch, and began playing Repiano Cornet in their training Brass Band before moving into the Internediate Concert Band and then the Senior Concert band.

At 16 he joined the Army as a Junior Bandsman in the Royal Irish Rangers, stationed at St. Patricks Barracks, Ballymena where he held the position of Principal Cornet for 2 years before joining the Band of the 2nd Bn Royal Irish Rangers where he played 1st Cornet.

Shortly after, he attended the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall on a 1 year Pupil/Bandsman course.

After returning to his Band he shortly took up the position of Principal Cornet, a position he held until 1992 when the band amalgamated with the 1st Bn Band to form the Band of The Royal Irish Regiment where he carried on as Principal Cornet for the remainder of his Army career.

As well as playing cornet in the wind band Davi also played lead Trumpet in the Band's Dance Band, Dixie Band and Fanfare Team as well as setting up the Band's Brass Quintet. He has also had the privilege to conduct the Band on many occasions, including once in the presence of HRH the Duke of York.

Throughout a very successful career in Army music he gained a Diploma in Band Studies from the RMSM, Kneller Hall in 1993 and his Advanced Diploma in Band Studies in 2003. In 2004 he attained his LTCL with Distinction in Trumpet performance followed by the FTCL in 2006. Prior to leaving the Army in 2007 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the Corps of Army Music.
During this period he studied with Ian McIntosh and ended his year by winning the Bronze Medal in the Frank Wright Cornet Competition, attaining a Parchment in the Cousins' Memorial Instrumental Competition and gaining the Progress Prize for most improved Cornet player for the year.
Since leaving the Army Davi has sought new musical challenges, moving away from the Wind Band Genre onto playing Trumpet with the Studio Symphony Orchestra and the Belfast Jazz Orchestra, 1st Cornet with Festival Brass and, his biggest challenge to date, Soprano Cornet with Templemore Brass Band, renewing his old acquaintance with Jack Burch. He has also taken up some tutoring, doing some private tuition and deputising for Brass Tutor's occasionally at the Belfast School of Music.
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