The Musical Director: Richard Wilton

Richard started learning to play the tuba at the tender age of 8 under the tutelage of cornet virtuoso Graham Walker, quickly progressing to the ranks of the then Hambleton Brass Band in 1983. After 10 happy years with the band, Richard inevitably moved into the world of championship section banding with the world famous Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band as Principal tuba.

The band had many successes culminating in becoming Yorkshire champions in 1999.

After a short spell with the Sellers International Band under the directorship of cornet ace Phillip McCann, Richard fulfilled his childhood ambition of joining the bass section of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, travelling extensively around Australasia, the United States and Europe. During his time with the band, Richard enjoyed many successes including back to back area championships, an unprecedented 5 in a row Brass in Concert championships and, the highlight surely, becoming National Champion Band of Great Britain in 2006.

Richard returned to his banding roots at South Milford Brass (formerly Hambleton Brass) in 2005, this time as Musical Director. After a very happy and successful period with the band, culminating in becoming North of England Champions in 2008 and 2009, Richard is now looking forward to a long and happy association with The Shepherd Building Group Band, and the new challenge that this brings.