Dr. Robert Childs

Robert was born and bred in the South Wales valley town of Tredegar. He is an Associate of the Royal College of Music, a Fellow of the London College of Music, and gained a distinction in a Master’s Degree from the University of Leeds he also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the Open University and is currently following a doctoral program at The University of Salford.

Robert has conducted and performed with most of the top bands in the north of England. He was Principal Soloist and Bandmaster of the Yorkshire based Black Dyke Band for ten years, as a player winning the European, British Open and National Championships. In his capacity as Bandmaster with ‘The Dyke’ he conducted memorable concert performances with; Susanna Walton, Lesley Garret, Philip Smith, James Watson and The Beautiful South.

In addition to his extensive brass band experience he has performed with many of the Country’s leading orchestras and still performs as a euphonium soloist all over the World.

In May 2000 Robert was delighted to accept the invitation to become the Professional Music Director of the ‘Buy As You View Cory Band’ from the Rhondda in South Wales. This appointment has re-united him with Wales and associated him with the band he has held in such high esteem since being a boy.

Robert steered Cory to a ‘Historic Double’ contest success, when they won both the British Open and the National Championships of Great Britain in 2000. They were also runner’s up in the European Championships the following year, winning the set –test piece by three clear points. He was also the recipient of the coveted Harry Mortimer Maestro award for his outstanding ability as a conductor.

Apart from his obvious talents in the contest field he has also developed the Band’s musical horizons. The Cory Band is ‘Band in residence’ at the Welsh College of Music and Drama (where Robert is currently Director of Band Studies). He has appointed Dr John Pickard as the Band’s ‘Composer in Residence’ and is championing new music.

Robert’s interest in research has also resulted in the historic first performances of ‘Battle Song’ by Havergale Brian and ‘A Tydfil Overture’ by Joseph Parry.