DAVID Rowland makes his conducting debut with Clacton Concert Orchestra at their summer concert this weekend.

The local-born musician took up violin and drums when he was just five and started learning the cornet, aged seven, in the Salvation Army band, which his father conducted.

In 2007 David joined the Essex Youth Orchestra as a trumpeter, with performances of symphonies by Mahler, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and many others before going on to study at Leeds College of Music, graduating with a first.

His musical career has encompassed a reggae band, cruise ship entertainment and jazz bands. He is currently soprano cornet player and assistant musical director of Tendring Brass, and freelances with orchestras, jazz bands and anywhere that needs a trumpet.

Last year David took over as music director of Blow The Dust Off – Clacton Concert Orchestra’s training group, before being invited to conduct the orchestra’s 2018 summer concert The Sparkle of Summer this Saturday at St James’ Church at 7pm.

With pieces by Smetana, Grieg and Faure tickets are £8 from Brenda Ellis on 01255 223455 or on the door.