L'Histoire de l'Ensemble Dents du Midi
de 1970 à 1980
Chronique de la naissance et de la fin d'un Brass Band en Valais
Thanks to all my visitors from over 30 countries :
Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain, Netherland, Denmark, France, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, United States, Australia, Sweden, South Africa, Cyprus, and Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, Isle of Man, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Malte, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Jersey, Spain, India.
My last Coup de Coeur
Arsène Duc, un Chef Valaisan à l'honneur au Royal Albert Hall à Londres
Arsène Duc
Arsène Duc, directeur et fondateur du Valaisia Brass Band a été engagé par la fameuse Brighouse & Rastrick Band pour conduire ce prestigieux band lors du concours national de Grande Bretagne du 2 octobre 2021 au Royal Albert Hall à Londres. Leur performance fut classée au 6ème rang sur 19 participants (ici l'interview de Canal 9)
Juste avant de remporter son 10ème titre de champion suisse le 28 novembre 2021 à Montreux dont le 7ème avec le Valaisia Brass Band. Il faut y ajouter un titre de champion d'Europe en 2018 et le très fameux British Open en 2017. Quel palmarès !
27 novembre 2021, Auditorium Stravinsky à Montreux, Championnats suisses de brass bands.
Edward Gregson, Philippe Berrut, Michael Bach, Oliver Waespi et Jean-Chales Dorsaz.
Mes 16 Coups de Coeur 2020 - 2021 :
28 novembre 2021, restaurant le Bellagio au Royal Plaza de Montreux.
Petit déjeuner des compositeurs .
Jean-Charles Dorsaz, Philippe Berrut, Oliver Waespi, Edward Gregson et Régis Gobet.
Mon Coup de Coeur
Dr. Robert Childs
The Master of Conductors
The Master of Euphonium
Robert Childs is a leading figure in the world of brass music. For over thirty years he has performed at the highest level giving solo performances in many of the world's most prestigious venues. He has given masterclasses throughout Europe's finest conservatoires and is now recognised as a leading education specialist within his field. In the year 2000 Robert relinquished his enviable position as principal euphonium and bandmaster with the Black Dyke Band in order to become Principal Conductor and Music Director of Cory, the Champion Band of Wales. Robert's success with Cory has been unprecedented and having returned to his homeland of Wales he is now Director of Brass Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music, Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, and Managing Director of 'Performing Arts Education' - a consultancy firm dedicated to Robert's passion for education. View these pages for audio clips, resource material, downloads and much more!
Robert was born in the small Welsh village of Crickhowell on 5th of April 1957. He is one of four children; Sandra, Robert, Nicholas and Melanie, born to parents Richard John and Morfydd Myfanwy Childs.
Left : Sandra, Nicholas et Robert
Right : Robert and Sandra join their Dad's band Tredegar Band
Below : Richard John Childs, the father with Robert et Sandra
Robert’s playing career began with a very brief spell on cornet before he began in earnest with the baritone. The first band he joined at the tender age of 9 was the Crosskeys Silver Band, conducted by father John with Sandra also on cornet. Soon after they all moved up the valley to Tredegar Town Band, where John took up the position of bandmaster. Both Junior and Senior Bands went from strength to strength and it wasn’t long before Robert was accepted into his County Youth Band and won a coveted place in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. This was to have more of an impact than Robert could have anticipated, as in the summer of 1974 he began a relationship with Lancashire Lass Lorraine Hartley, his future wife. By this time Robert had become solo euphonium at Tredegar and an apprentice engineer at Ebbw Vale Steel Works. Not bearing to be apart any longer Lorraine moved to Wales and also joined the Tredegar Band. Their engagement was announced from the stage at the Royal Albert Hall after a Nationals win for the band in 1975. In 1976 they were married and after a request (by telegram!) from Geoffry Brand, they moved up to England where Robert joined the GUS footwear band, under the guidance of Trevor Groom. His first big break came one year later when he was asked to join the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band on solo euphonium in 1977, the start of a 22 year career with the finest bands in Yorkshire.
"From the late 70's I have a very clear memory of a boy, in his early teens who spoke with a Welsh inflexion and hugged a euphonium! His name was Robert Childs, a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Since that time, our paths have crossed in various ways and it has been a special pleasure to observe Robert's development as a player, a musician, an educator, and a person." Geoffrey Brand
Tredegar Band Tune up with Robert's father John in 1977.
Robert with younger brother Nicholas and sister Melanie
During his time at the Grimethorpe Colliery Band Robert had the pleasure of working with Elgar Howarth, a fine musician whom Robert continues to hold in the highest regard. Robert quickly established himself as a star soloist within the band and as part of their tour to Australia in 1981 he gave the premier performance of Golland’s Euphonium Concerto under the baton of Ray Farr. The premiere took place in Perth Western Australia and later on the tour Robert went on to perform the work to great acclaim in the world famous Sydney Opera House. Conductor Ray Farr fondly remembers the way Robert’s performance lifted the band, “He was absolutely amazing. I’ll never know how he did it, not only did he produce superb euphonium playing in every technical and musical sense, but I don’t know – somehow in his playing there was something spiritually dynamic and inspired. It was some of the best brass playing I’ve ever heard in my life.” This was one of many highlights with Grimethorpe which included various European Tours, prestigious concerts and broadcasts and success within the contest field. Having played with Grimethorpe for 5 years, in 1982 Robert was awarded the title ‘International Euphonium Player of the Year’, no small achievement, particularly when you consider that by this time Robert had two small children, Lisa (1979) and David (1981), and his day job included time under ground as a miner at the Colliery!
Robert principal euphonium with Grimethorpe Colliery and brother Nick principal with Yorkshire Imperial 1977.
In 1983, at the request of Geoffrey Whitham, Robert left Grimethorpe and joined the Hammonds Sauce Works Band (later to become known as YBS). He also secured a job as an engineer at the Works, however Robert was now highly sought after as a euphonium tutor, so after finishing a 12 hour shift at the factory it became common place for Robert to travel to Salford College to tutor their euphonium and baritone players before returning home to his family. By this time Robert was already a council member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (the youngest ever appointed) and in 1984 he was invited to be a member of the tutorial staff, a post he still holds today.
1984 proved to be a momentous year for Robert. At the suggestion of Boosey and Hawkes, for whom Robert was already an endorsee, he teamed up with brother Nicholas and the ‘Childs Brothers’ was born. Their inaugural performance could not have been more prestigious; the Gala Concert of the National Championships of Great Britain at London’s Royal Albert Hall. With a lack of euphonium duet repertoire, Boosey and Hawkes specially commissioned new arrangements from Ray Farr, Howard Snell and Alan Catherall in the form of, ‘The Carnival of Venice’, ‘Moto Perpetuo’ and ‘Softly as I leave You’. The Childs Brothers were an instant hit and their debut together was made all the more special as on this occasion they were conducted by their late father and mentor John, who sadly passed away soon after.
Following a brief spell with Hammonds, Robert joined the Brighouse and Rastrick Band as their principal euphonium, and in 1985, under the baton of James Watson, he won the coveted Granada Band of the Year Soloist Prize performing what would become his trade mark solo, The Carnival of Venice. By this time Robert and his brother Nicholas were in great demand, ‘The Childs Brothers’ became hugely successful undertaking tours of the USA, Australia, Japan, as well as giving concerts closer to home in Europe. Robert’s success as a soloist and duet artist continued throughout the 80’s and 90’s, but a significant development took place in 1986 when Robert was finally able to trade in his engineering career for a full time teaching post as a brass peripatetic for the East Riding Music Service. His passion for education was ignited.
"Robert Childs arrived at Grimethorpe as a teenage virtuoso and matured to become master of his trade. He is a stunning example of what can be achieved by natural talent allied to open-mindedness, hard work and intelligence."
Elgar Howarth
1984 Back Stage at the Royal Albert Hal
1985 Robert wins the solo prize with B&R at Granada Band of the Year as his mother, wife and son.
Robert Childs 1985 Carnival of Venice
Robert & David Childs - Pearl Fishers Duet - Euphoniums at BBC Proms in the Park, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales 2000.
Robert and his family relocated to East Yorkshire as a result of his new teaching commitments which meant a 150 mile round trip at least twice a week for band rehearsals in Brighouse. It was whilst undertaking one of these journeys that a conversation took place between Robert and Dixon Laing (a colleague and friend from the music service, and cornet player with Brighouse about the possibility of forming a band a little closer to home. In 1989 the City of Hull Brass Band was established with Dixon Laing on principal cornet and Robert as conductor. In the same year as taking up the baton, a life long ambition was fulfilled for Robert when he became principal euphonium with the world famous Black Dyke Band, a position vacated by euphonium legend John Clough.
Robert in Black Dyke uniform 1995 with conductor James Watson after winning the Grand Slam in 1995.
1989 - Four Black Dyke Euphonium Legends - Denzil Stephens, Geoff Whitham, John Clough & Robert Childs
Whilst with Dyke Robert continued to work closely with brother Nicholas, not only touring and performing as the Childs Brothers, but also by forming a new company, Doyen Recordings. At the same time the City of Hull Band had become extremely successful under Robert’s direction and achieved remarkable success - at one point winning 19 out of 21 contests entered! With Robert’s wife Lorraine on flugel horn and children Lisa and David bolstering the cornet and euphonium sections the City of Hull band had become a family affair and with the demands of a full time job, solo career, Childs Brothers, Doyen, conducting, and playing with Black Dyke, something had to give, so in 1990 Robert left Black Dyke. With more time available to them The Childs Brothers continued to gain even greater critical acclaim, commissioning new repertoire and performing live to the highest standards. They also produced a number of commercial recordings including, Childs Play, Euphonium Music and Welsh Wizards, all on their new Doyen Label.
In 1991 Robert accepted the position of principal euphonium with the Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band and in 1992 rekindled his love for the Queensbury outfit when he once again joined the Black Dyke Band, this time at the request of their new Musical Director, James Watson. The band was to enter one of its most successful periods, with a number of contest wins culminating in a ‘Grand Slam’ of British Open, National and European titles in 1995. Under James Watson the band were also breaking new ground making prestigious festival appearances with Robert featured as their star soloist on every occasion, in many cases performing concerti dedicated to him. Such performances included concerts at the Bridgewater Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Barbican, Royal Albert Hall and the Carnegie Hall, New York.
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The Childs Brothers and Robert and son David
Unfortunately at a time when the Childs Brothers had never been in such great demand, Nicholas decided to hang up his euphonium in order to dedicate more time to conducting and running Doyen Recordings; this signalled the end of the most successful family ensemble since the Distins. Fortunately for Robert he had an ace up his sleeve, a prospective new talent that he himself had been nurturing in his role as Head of Brass at Hymers College, his own son, David, and so a new Childs duo was born. In spite of the busier than ever playing schedule, Robert also took his band, East Yorkshire Motor Services (City of Hull) to the National finals at the Albert Hall where they gained 8th place (no mean feat in 1996 considering that only five years ago they were in the 4th section). He also embarked on a Masters Degree at Leeds University, his first academic undertaking since leaving school in 1973 aged 15. Robert naturally applied himself with the usual dedication and effort and graduated top of his class with a Distinction!
"I've only had two teachers, my father and my brother Bob. As the Childs Brothers we were lucky enough to tour the world, but it was always good to know when you entered the stage and the lights came on your brother was next to you. He was almost like a genie in the bottle, he could play faster and higher and therefore I played the part he told me to play! He's a fantastic musician, friend and brother."
Nicholas Childs
The Childs family representing 5 com-peting bands at the 1998 Royal Albert Hall National.
Masters Degree at Leeds University. Robert graduated top of his class with a Distinction
As a result of his impressive qualifications and experience Robert increased his work in tertiary education becoming a euphonium professor at the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Leeds. His continued success with the EYMS band saw his demand as a conductor increase greatly, which also led to his role at Black Dyke developing in this vein. In addition to being the band’s principal soloist, he was appointed bandmaster, conducting the band at rehearsals, concerts and recordings. In this capacity Robert directed some of the world’s finest musicians, including Lesley Garrett, Lady Susannah Walton, Philip Smith, Beautiful South, and of course James Watson. As Robert’s reputation as a conductor gained momentum he remained dedicated to his love for the euphonium and in 1999 his efforts were rewarded when he won the highly coveted best soloist prize at the British Open Championships on Philip Wilby’s notoriously fiendish ‘A Dove Descending...’ This performance with the Black Dyke Band was especially significant for Robert not only because it was his last contest performance with the band, but also because he shared the stage with his daughter Lisa, who played in the solo cornet section on this occasion.
Robert returned to the British Open the following year with the famous Cory Band (formerly Buy As You View) and conducted them to an historic victory, not only beating his childhood idols Black Dyke into second place, but also taking the shield to Wales for the first time in the competition’s 150 year history. Two months later he consolidated his success as the Cory Band’s Musical Director by turning his debut win into a ‘double’ directing the band to victory in the Royal Albert Hall on Peter Graham’s Harrisons Dream at the National Brass Band Championships 2000. Not a bad start! These unprecedented wins marked the start of a highly successful partnership between Robert and the band which saw him return to the ‘Land of his Fathers’, Wales.
Having moved to the Principality Robert’s services as an educator were quickly realised by the Millennium Centre’s Welsh Amateur Music Federation and the then Welsh College of Music & Drama. WAMF appointed Robert as the Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales in 2002 and shortly after he became the first Director of Brass Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Since Robert’s involvement, brass at the RWCMD has flourished through the development of a brass band pathway spearheaded by Robert. This specialist pathway is constantly evolving and developing under Robert’s leadership and is already considered to be one of the finest of its type in Europe.
During Robert’s tenure with the Cory Band he has directed them to six consecutive Welsh Championship wins and taken them from 13th in the official world rankings to No.1, a position sustained for a period in 2005. However, his work as a conductor outside the UK has also benefited many other bands. He now has a successful association with both Switzerland’s Brass Band Fribourg and Norway’s Manger Musikklag. In addition he regularly works with bands further a field including the USA’s Brass Band of Central Florida and Canada’s Hannaford Street Silver Band.
World Premiere performance of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's Enter the Galaxies performed by Cory Band under the direction of Robert Childs.
Whilst dedicated to his commitments as conductor and educator, Robert continues to wow audiences as a world renowned euphonium soloist. In 2006 he gave his 25th concert performance of Philip Wilby’s Concerto for Euphonium with the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, a work premiered by Robert ten years earlier. He also regularly performs duets with his son David and in 2005 they recorded their first CD together with Robert’s brother Nicholas as guest conductor. Later this year Robert will release his latest solo album on the Doyen label featuring substantial repertoire for euphonium with both brass band and orchestral accompaniment.
In addition to performing, lecturing and conducting; Robert writes for a variety of music publications, he’s a Director of The International Brass Band Summer School, a Director of Prima Vista Musikk Ltd., Managing Director of Performing Arts Education, and a well respected adjudicator. His career has been and continues to be diverse, with musical excellence and dedication remaining the foundation of everything he achieves.
"Robert Childs is a master euphonium player, and a wonderful conductor and musician. His recording of my Coventry Variations is superb and Cory play magnificently for him. He is also one of the warmest and wisest people in the world of brass. A consumate professional and real gentleman." Bramwell Tovey
The Cory Band and Robert Childs
Mikhail Glinka's Overture to Ruslan & Ludmilla performed by Cory Band under Musical Director Robert Childs on June 20th 2009 in St David's Hall Cardiff.
Robert, for several years, was consultant conductor of the Brass Band Fribourg.
Here he conducts The Wizard by George Allan at KKL of Lucerne in September 2016.
Robert and the Fribourg Brass Band on the Swiss press La Liberté de Fribourg 25th march 2010
Robert's Interview April 2020
Robert, the incredible career exposed in your biography impresses me.
At the age of 39, after having won every contest as a soloist and then as a brass band conductor, you decided to go back to school to get a Master in music. What was your motivation for this challenge ?
Philip Wilby was the Composer in Residence at Black Dyke and he suggested it to me. I studied with him at Leeds University. I got hooked on academia and went on to qualify as a professional school teacher and did a Doctorate in Conducting with David King.
You have had the opportunity to work with great brass band musicians, such as Elgar Howarth, Ray Farr and James Watson, among others. Who impressed you the most and why ?
They are all quite different and I learnt so much from them all. Elgar was a visionary and advanced the brass band movement so much, he was also a fantastic technical conductor. Ray Farr had a great ear for intonation and a gift for arranging. James Watson was a close friend and the person I learnt the most from. He was a practical musician with experience in chamber music, symphony, opera and brass bands. He was a genius. Nevertheless, the conductor who influenced me the most was my father Richard John Childs. I still find myself saying the things he taught me.
In 1976 you played with the famous GUS. This brass band is iconic in Switzerland: in the 1960s, it was the first English brass band that people could hear in concert. What memories did you keep of it ?
Well firstly I played under the great Geoffrey Brand, he was fantastic. I played 2nd euphonium to Trevor Groom (probably the best euphonium player ever) and I took lessons from the legendary Bert Sullivan (Trevor’s teacher). I only spent a short time at GUS before moving to Grimethope but it was a superb learning experience.
Your ranking as a conductor is quite impressive: 6 victories at the British Open (with Cory), 2 victories at the Nationals and 3 victories at the European Championships! and I will not mention here all the other regional competitions.
If you had to recall only one of these victories, which would it be ?
hey were all special but the first time we won the European Championship was probably the most gratifying. We had come second so many times (winning the test-piece or the own-choice but not the overall championship) so when we won, it was fantastic. I wish my Dad had been alive to see me achieve it. In the band was my son, daughter and daughter-in-law.
Cory seems to hold a very special place in your career as a conductor. Tell us more about one of the most successful brass bands in the world.
When I took over Cory they were undisciplined musically and socially. They focused on small local contests and didn’t really consider expanding their concert calendar or develop their recording diary. Nevertheless, as soon as I heard them play I knew they had great potential. Don’t forget the band had a good record of winning the Nationals and had won the European too. However, they were inconsistent. I think I brough consistency to the band and I taught them how to win and believe in themselves. I am so pleased that Phil Harper and the Band have continued the winning way. I salute the ‘Mighty Cory Band.
In Switzerland, some say that the British Open is a higher competition than the Nationals? What is your opinion ?
The Nationals is proportionally represented of the whole of Great Britain with the Country being divided up into eight regions with only two bands representing their region at the Nationals. In addition to this the top five placed bands from the year before are also invited. Some regions are stronger than others so there is a big difference between the top and bottom bands. The British Open is different, the invite the top ranked bands irrespective of geographical home.
The Open has more top bands and is the most difficult contest to win. The Nationals is in London and the RAH, what a fantastic venue.
In 2005 you were consultant conductor of the Fribourg Brass Band. Did you get to know Arsène Duc, the current chef of Valaisia?
What memories do you keep of your stays in Fribourg ?
I think I was working with them before 2005. 2001 I think!! I had a great time with Fribourg Brass Band and I developed a strong friendship with Arsène during his years with the band. We are still good friends now and I have stayed at his house with his lovely family. I also made great friends with Regis Gobet (excellent baritone player) and the Chairman Mark. I enjoyed working with the very talented Frederic Theodoloz I think he was undervalued at the band. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the band (almost 12 years) and we had some great successes but eventually all things come to an end.
Have you had other experiences as a consultant in Switzerland ?
Yes, I have conducted many Swiss bands including the National Youth Band of Switzerland which was immensely enjoyable. Ive also adjudicated many times in Switzerland, however the band I worked with the most was Fribourg and Arsene Duc.
in 1974, as a young musician and brass band fan, I attended my first Nationals at the Royal Albert Hall, and Cory had won.
What was your activity at the time, if you remember ?
I played solo euphonium with Tredegar Town Band under the direction of my father Richard John Childs. My brother Nick played 2nd euph, my two sisters played in the band and my girlfriend (to become my wife also). We drew number 13 and came 12th!!
What do you think of the fast progression of brass bands in Switzerland, and more particularly in Valais ? How was the Valaisia’s victory at the British Open 2017 perceived in the English brass bands world ?
Anyone who listens to Valaisia’s performance of 2017 has to agree they were the best on the day and I was so pleased for the band and especially my friend Arsene Duc. Of course for many years British Bands dominated brass band contests but that was because it is our tradition. Brass Band in UK is like Village Bands in Switzerland…… it’s a tradition.
The English have been masters in the brass band aera for years. Is their status changing with the arrival of excellent bands from Norway, Belgium, France, Switzerland, etc.? What do the English say about it ?
Absolutely, mainland Europe are equally as good as British Bands these days. As you say Norway, Belgium, France, Switzerland, etc have all developed into fantastic bands and when you go to the European Championships anyone could win!
What is your activity at the moment?
I conduct the Woodfalls Band once a week and take on free-lance work with other bands all over the World. This year I should have been visiting Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Japan and Canada. However, Corona Virus 19 has cancelled many of my trips.
I’m very busy as Head of Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and I really enjoy playing with my four grandchildren Ben, Matthew, Sam and Hannah.
I’m Chairman of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain which also takes up some of my time. I like to play golf regularly, I’ve played with Valaisia’s cornet virtuoso Alain Borgeat and one day hope to play at Crans Montana.
I also like to work with my hands and I am currently building an extension to my house.
Do you enjoy classical music ? If so, what exactly do you listen to ?
I like Berlioz, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and other brassy composers but am more than happy to listen to a much wider variety.
Philippe Berrut
Dear Robert,
I used to know you as the famous conductor of the Cory Band, but I was far from imagining the incredible career that hid behind it.
Today, I am very glad to share with the loyal vi-sitors of my website as well as with any brass band fan the inspiring story of your life.
I am very grateful that you kindly accepted to collaborate on my project and I hope that you will enjoy the result.
Great Britain and Wales, in particular, can be proud of you. And so are we, in Switzerland! because we feel that you also belong to us a little.
Now, through your prominent teaching posi-tions, you help perpetuate the tradition of British brass band as well as of musical excellence which inspired various generations of musicians all around Switzerland Europe and the World.
Once again, congratulations. I wish you and your family all the best.
With all my gratitude and my warmest greetings,
They express to Bob their strongest admiration and affection
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Frédéric Théodoloz
Conductor of
Brass Band 13 Etoiles
Bob Childs is the type of person that will impact your life in a good way… When you meet him, you feel like you have known him forever. My collaboration with Bob during my time at the BBF has been an incredible human and professional adventure. Not only would Bob spend entire quite memorable evenings right after rehearsals telling me countless funny stories of musicians and brass band conductors, but he would above all teach me to always have respect for my musicians and to bring out the best out of them, using discipline, motivation and determination. Throughout all these years, I had the chance to learn from his huge brass band experience, which I still explore today in my activity of conductor. Bob Childs is a Great Man of the brass band world who taught me a lot. And it is an honor to have had the chance to collaborate with him and to be able to count on his unfailing support throughout our adventure with the BBF.
Sir Jean-Charles Dorsaz
Conductor
I am very grateful towards Bob for inviting me a couple of years to conduct at the International Brass Band Summer School.
I made amazing friends there and I still get news from them today. It’s wonderful !
Here is a funny story: one year, as I was at Gene-va airport about to fly to the camp with a con-necting fligh in Bristol, I was told that the depar-ture was delayed at night time (instead of 14:30!). So I called Bob and told him that I was stuck in Geneva. He told me to wait. Five mi-nutes later, he called me back to inform me that he had booked me a room in Bristol for the night. Once I arrived at the hotel in Bristol at 1:30 am, I was informed by the person at the frontdesk that the room had already been paid for me! Bob had paid for my night in Bristol! Unbelievable. What a gentleman!
That summer, he also let me conduct the gala concert presented for the closing of the camp.
Thank you, Bob.
Alain Borgeat
Cornet at
Valaisia Brass Band
Golfers and friends Bob and Alain
Bob, first time I met you, was before the European Championship from Lille where you came to help us. You were for me a giant! I remember hearing you playing at your last contest in RAH, as well as your son in differents bands. Winning then all those contest with Cory. What I discover directly, was a man with a great kindness. It was directly easy to talk and laugh with you! We talked about golf, and tell we may play together another time when you will come back.
In fact it was me to come to you! Playing with your band was a dream and specially to play in that contest in that Hall so famous (RAH)!. But the best was to spend this week with you, talking with a true passionate of music, with your family, and playing golf together.
I could’nt imagine a better week than that: Music, Golf, passion, friendship! Thoses moments will last long in my memory, specially the time together in Wales!
On the side of a Giant, with a huge heart!
Thanks Bob!
Régis Gobet, vice-president of the Swiss Brass Band Association
Brass Band Fribourg 1st baritone from 1990 to 2016
Actually, I think Bob Childs and music are one and the same. We all realized this when he came to Brass Band Fribourg (BBF) in the early 2000s. His capacity for work – he is as tireless as he is passionate – is certainly out of the ordinary, but so too is his talent. One of the greatest euphonium players – if not the greatest – of all time, he is also an outstanding conductor and music teacher. All of which is coupled with exceptional human qualities. I had the privilege of living through the prestigious years of BBF, of which he was one of the main actors. I also had the great honour of being able to play several times with the famous Cory Band, invited by Bob Childs himself. As the years go by, the memories of my modest career are obviously growing, but if I had to mention just one, it would be to have had the privilege of playing with Bob Childs, to have played under his baton; that of a genius and that of a friend.
Arsène Duc
Conductor of Valaisia Brass Band
I was lucky to meet Bob Childs in 2002 when I started conducting Brass Band Fribourg, as he was their musical advisor. Our first meeting took place in autumn that year and we immediately got on well. We became close very quickly and I learnt an enormous amount during those collaborative years with Bob.
We have built a real friendship and it is always a pleasure when we meet. We have even adjudicated a few contests together in the past years.
From time to time, we used to prepare our contests with BBF in Valais, where I would organise a raclette in my wine cellar. Bob has even learnt to scrape the mountain cheese and is something of a natural at it.
As conductors, we competed against each other at four European Competitions: 2003 in Bergen, 2006 in Belfast, 2008 in Stavanger and 2010 in Linz. Bob was conducting Cory and I was taking BBF and then Valaisia Brass Band.
I have also had the opportunity to meet his friendly and tight-knit family, his wife Loraine, his daughter Lisa and his son David, who is leading a brilliant international solo career.
Bob is not only a fantastic musician and conductor, with extraordinary results, but also a generous, sensitive and humourous man.
I have been really fortunate to have met Bob, who is an endearing, simple and modest person.
I wish him and his family all the best for the future.
Florent Didier
Conductor of
Paris Brass Band
Bob Childs and the Cory Band were one of my first encounters with the brass band world. It was some twelve years ago, at the time of the Paris Brass Band’s creation. My attraction to this type of orchestra was born clearly after watching videos of Bob conducting Peter Graham’s ‘’On the Shoulders of Gants’’ or Jan van der Roost’s ‘’From Ancient Times’’! At the beginning of 2010, these performances appeared to be brilliant, inspiring and exciting.
I have had the pleasure of reuniting with Bob since then during various rehearsals. Bob is a very warm and cheerful person. I truly hope that we will have some time to talk more and that I will get the chance to tell him what an inspiration he has been and still is for me, as a brass band passionate.
I wish Bob all the best.
With all my affection and admiration.
Marc Morandi
BBF solo horn
1993-2016 and chairman
2007-2013
For many years, as the solo horn player for Brass Band Fribourg (CH), I had the immense good fortune to play under the direction of Dr. Robert Childs. His outstanding musical qualities gave me chills every time he picked up the baton. A simple hymn tune would take on a whole new dimension under his conducting. It was magical...
I also remember his extraordinary work force, his perpetual search for perfection in order to make each passage within a work as musical as possible. As a soloist, he would give us tips and tricks that made things easier and more beautiful. And finally, his human qualities marked with modesty made him very approachable.
Despite the language barrier, Bob regularly shared a drink after rehearsals with all the musicians. He cultivated a team spirit that was particularly important in a Championship section band. Bob Childs was one of the great actors during the successful years of Brass Band Fribourg, and for this, I will always be grateful to him.
Thank you Bob
Finale from On the Shoulders of Giants by Peter Graham. World premiere by The Cory Band, conductor Robert Childs
This performance Sing Sing Sing given at the Sage Gateshead by Cory Band under the direction of Robert Childs formed part of Cory's 2008 Brass in Concert programme which saw the reigning European Champions and World No.1 Ranked Band crowned Brass in Concert Champions for the first time in their history.