Interim Musical Director

Juan is an experienced educator and performer of brass instruments currently heading up the Isle of Man Music Service, a part of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture. He also plays with a number of groups including Manx Youth Band and Manx Concert Brass, The Brass Machine - Isle of Man, Brassified - Isle of Man and the Blue Train Big Band.
 
Juan is no stranger to the band having played with us on numerous occasions. Commenting on his appointment, Juan said "I'm delighted to be helping out Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band as interim conductor for their summer season".
 
 

 

 

 

Previous Musical Directors

Ian Astill 2019-2023

Ian Astill

Inspired by his Grandfather Bobby and Uncles Gordon and Kenny,  Ian began his brass playing around 1993,  taking lessons with Major Thirtle at Victoria Road School in Castletown. He began playing with the Senior Band over Christmas 1996 and spent 11 years playing Tenor horn before moving to Euphonium in 2005. Upon Major Thirtle’s retirement he had further lessons with Steve Wortley through the IOM Music Service.

In 2007 he left the island to study for a BMus(Hons) from the RNCM in Manchester. There he studied under Steven Mead and David Thornton as well as meeting and working with many other famous brass tutors.  He played regularly with Eccles Borough Band under Les Webb and Marieka Gray and played Solo Euphonium at several contests including wins at Whit Friday, Butlins and the North West Regionals which led to an appearance at the National Finals in Harrogate.

After graduating he returned to the Island, working at Friends Provident International and taking the baton at CMSB as interim Musical Director for a year. He travelled back across the water to play at several contests and occasions with Eccles Borough.

In 2015, Ian travelled to Bangor in North Wales to study for a PGCE in Primary Education.   Whilst there he played with the Bangor University  Brass Band and Llanrug Band,  taking part in the Unibrass contest and the Welsh Regional contest. 

Upon returning to the Island in 2016, Ian began a career as a Primary School Teacher at Peel Clothworkers’ School and returned to the Euphonium seat at CMSB for a brief stint before being asked to take up the baton once again as Musical Director. He has also arranged and composed several pieces for Brass Band, most of which regularly feature in CMSB concert programmes.

John Collings 2014 - 2016 and 2017 - 2019

Ken Mitchell 2016 - 2017
Rodney Evans 2006 - 2013
Major J E 'Tommy' Thirtle 1978 - 2005

Affectionately known as Tommy or Major, he was invited to take over the conductorship of the band in 1978. Formerly of the Blues, he had a long and illustrious musical career in the Army before moving to the island in 1973 to take up a peripatetic post with the Isle of Man Board of Education. 

 
 
 
Jack Ollerenshaw  - 1978

 

Henry Mylchreest
 
Charles Cubbon
 
Tom Stewart Cubbon 1932 - 1960

W H Cubbon 1896 - 1932

John Cubbon 1896 - 1898

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMSB Upcoming Events

Castletown Methodist Church Fund Raiser

Date: 07.04.2024 15:00 - 16:00
Calendar: Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band

Laxey Brass Band Festival - Provisional

Date: 05.05.2024 14:30 - 15:30
Calendar: Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band

Music in the Square - Provisional

Date: 25.05.2024 19:00 - 20:00
Calendar: Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band