Musical Director - Howard Taylor

Howard Taylor started his musical career in the Salvation Army in the South West of England, learning the cornet from a very early age. He progressed to become Principal Cornet of the Plymouth Exeter Hall Salvation Army Band and Youth Band conductor at the age of only 17. In 1985 he joined Championship section Bodmin Town Band of Cornwall and soon took up the position of Principal Cornet and Deputy Conductor.

After a spell in Australia and NZ, Howard, a former Sales Engineer with British Gas took over the Baton at Bodmin Town in 1993 leading them to be judged South West Champions and Cornish Champions 3 years in succession. Howard’s last playing engagement in the United Kingdom was at the Royal Albert Hall with the Welsh Champion Band, Tredeger before moving to New Zealand in 1997.  His appointment to Musical Director of Waitakere Band saw him take them to the NZ Nationals that year, winning 2 out of the 3 sections.In 1999 they won every stage event becoming the New Zealand National Champion Band, and then went on to take the Shell Band of the Year Concert Title. During Howard’s leadership Waitakere were crowned Auckland Champions for 3 years in succession and awarded the “NZ Band of the Year” in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

2002 saw Howard move to Brisbane, Australia where he was appointed Musical Director of Brisbane Excelsior. Under Howard's direction, XLCR has won 4 State Championships, and the Australian National A Grade Championship in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He has recently been appointed Musical Director for the New Zealand National Band 2007-2009.

Starting a 2nd band "Windsor Brass" in 2003, Howard led them to their first Contest success in D Grade and the band has since been regraded to C Grade and then to B Grade all within the space of 6 months. He has now taken on the challenge of building a Junior Band in his spare time.