Dale Grindrod - Musical Director
Dale trained at the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal in Kent before it moved to Portsmouth. He studied the violin, clarinet and trombone, the latter being the instrument he started playing from the age of eleven at Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall, where he gained top grades in both practical and theory. He attributes this early success to the inspiration given by his teacher, Roger Nicholls. He was a member of Lancashire Schools Symphony Orchestra and Lancashire Schools Dance Band, enjoying many concert tours within the UK and mainland Europe. Following his time with the Royal Marines Band Service he gained a BA Hons Degree in Music with Sheffield University and a Post-graduate Certificate in Education with Edge Hill University. Following an earlier teaching post in Chorley, his position before retirement was Head of Music at Broughton Business and Enterprise College. His local playing career includes Goodshaw, Old Hall, and Darwen Brass Bands. He became Musical Director of East Lancashire Concert Band in October 2009 and this has led to appearances at Tarleton Music Festival, Preston Guild Hall, and the Empire Theatre, Blackburn. On more than one occasion he has led a small ensemble from the Band when broadcasting on BBC local radio. He enjoys cycling, keeping fit at the gym and attending the theatre and classical concerts.