Wg Cdr (rtd.) Duncan Stubbs, OBE MMus FRSM ARCM LGSM - Conductor

Duncan

Duncan Stubbs is one of the UK's most experienced wind band directors.

After graduating from York University he served in the Royal Air Force for 34 years, retiring as Principal Director of Music (PDM) in 2017. During his career he directed all the RAF bands including the prestigious Central Band and, on promotion to PDM in 2009, he became responsible for all aspects of professional music throughout the RAF.

During his nine years as PDM, Duncan worked tirelessly to maintain the RAF's reputation for musical excellence on a global scale. He worked collaboratively with some of the UK's finest musicians, including Nigel Hess, George Fenton, Phillip Sparke, Martin Ellerby, Phil Cobb, Linda Merrick, Simone Robello, and Steven Mead.

He has conducted and co-produced over 20 CDs of wind band repertoire, worked regularly with the BBC and directed county and conservatoire wind ensembles. Concurrent with his RAF career, Duncan maintained close links with the civilian band community, directing several established community bands who achieved national success at NCBF Festivals.

In 2017 Duncan was awarded the OBE for services to military music.

Since leaving the RAF, Duncan has continued a close association with the wind band and brass ensemble world. As well as directing two community bands, leading workshops, and working in schools, he is also the musical director for the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra summer residency. He relishes the challenge of working with musicians of all standards, aiming to inspire and to get the best out of them through strong musical leadership and by sharing his deep commitment and enjoyment of music performance.

In 2018, Duncan was delighted to have been appointed the chairman of the National Concert Band Festival and looks forward to using his skills and experience to further broaden the musical opportunities and aspirations of wind band musicians throughout the UK.