Denise Johnson - Eb Horn

Denise's musical career started on the first day of secondary school (Soar valley College, Leicester) when a scary red haired music teacher (Mrs. Dunn) burst into the classroom, had a good look at everyone, and picked her out for having 'the right lips' for playing the oboe. Denise actually wanted to play the flute but dare not refuse and by the end of the day was set up with an instrument she knew nothing about and a note to her parents requesting money for lessons. Denise's early days were quite traumatic as a pupil as she did not realise that the noise produced would be more accustomed alongside the ducks at Peasholm and she was the brunt of much teasing by her so called friends! She continued with lessons throughout secondary school with the valued support and enthusiasm from Mrs. Dunn (who she eventually babysat for!) and played with the school orchestra and the County Intermediate Orchestra until reluctantly moving to Scarborough with her parents at the age of 16.

With oboe in hand, Denise tried various groups but did not settle until someone recommended she go along to the Scarborough Town Band. Not realising it was a brass band, she was informed there was a spare cornet and Dave Clegg (the conductor) offered to give her lessons if she wanted to swap instruments. Denise jumped at the opportunity and within months was sat on the back row playing third cornet and gradually progressed to flugelhorn. Denise loved playing with the band but when her daughter arrived found it difficult to practice regularly (no change there then!) and she sadly decided to hand in her instrument.

Some twenty years later when working at Gladstone Road Junior School as a secretary, an opportunity arose to pickup a spare trumpet and help with the newly formed school orchestra. Denise was in her element again and after getting her lip back in, joined Scarborough Concert Band and later was honoured to be invited to play third cornet with Simply Brass which she says has definitely improved her playing and confidence as well as gaining a valued group of friends.