Windblowers Staff

David

Partner

David started playing the Clarinet aged 11 (to get out of maths). He is a qualified Jig and Tool designer and hydraulics engineer and plays Bass and Contra-bass clarinet in Nottingham Symphonic Winds. David is married to Margaret and he has one son, Jonathon. David's greatest musical achievement to date is to give Jack Brymer a lift to a gig.

Margaret

Partner and Admin Wizard

Born in the Plough Inn, Covenham, Margaret moved to Nottingham in the swinging sixties. Margaret can still beat the computer keyboard with her touch typing speeds (whilst simultaneously holding a conversation) and is the only person in the world still doing Pitman shorthand and double entry book-keeping. (so all that time at Clarendon College wasn't wasted).

Organiser of everything at Windblowers, Margaret is secretary of Nottingham Symphonic Winds, she has two children and five grandchildren - her only problem is being married to David!

Peter

General Manager and Fitness Coach

Whilst Peter is the newest member of the Windblowers team he is by no means the least experienced. Graduating from Newark and Sherwood College with a Diploma in Woodwind Instrument Making & Repairing in 1981 Peter has since had over 20 years retail experience, (19 years of which were with the London based firm of T.W. Howarth & Co. Ltd managing their single reed department).

Principally an oboist (well that's the instrument he says he can play to a reasonable standard!) Peter also dabbles on other woodwind, freely admitting that he is more of a "jack of all trades" rather than a master on any!

Outside of work Peter is involved with Newark Athletic Club and is a very keen photographer.

Sarah

Sheet Music Buyer, Brass Specialist and Equestrian Specialist

Sarah started her musical career at George Spencer School, and aged 14 gained a place in the Youth Orchestra. She also began her long association with musical societies, playing in orchestras under the guidance of her trumpet teacher, Malcolm Nabarro.

Sarah joined Windblowers as Brass Specialist and Sheet Music Buyer - just over 20 years ago! Still playing in many shows and concerts in the East Midlands, Sarah is also a well-known orchestral fixer and she plays with NPO and NSO.

Sarah is married to local singer, Simon Theobald, has a daughter, Lucy and is a keen horsewoman.

Steve

Shop Manager and Experienced Armchair Musician

Steve graduated from Nottingham University in 1989 with a degree in Music and an impressive hangover. Sundry grade exam passes cunningly disguise limited playing skills, however, he is Grade 8 standard on the CD player and keeps alive the ancient art of record playing.

An encyclopaedic knowledge of many kinds of music from Monteverdi to Motorhead makes Steve popular at quizzes.

Nick

Export Sales Specialist and Margaret's PA

Nick joined Windblowers in 1998 after completing his music degree in Cambridge. He enjoys (being the operative word) playing the oboe, piano, organ and percussion.

He is a member of Nottingham Symphonic Winds, Newstead Abbey Singers and is the Musical Director of the Nottingham Hospitals Choir and the Church of the Assumption.

Nick's greatest musical achievement to date is to accompany Lesley Garrett and 2,000 singers at Nottingham Ice Arena.

With what little spare time Nick has left, he enjoys drinking and eating out with friends.

Elaine

Sheet Music Specialist

Elaine joined Windblowers 12 years ago, and although, initially not a musician, has learnt to play the euphonium and was a member of Nottingham Wind Ensemble for 3 years.

A keen theatre goer and un-embarrassed lifelong fan of UB40 (Ali Campbell, are you listening?), her varied musical interests are invaluable in tracing sheet music.

Jennie

Mail Order Specialist and Rock Chick

Jennie joined Windblowers in November 2001. She is mostly found on the shop floor (especially on a Saturday morning!), and is pivotal to the smooth running of the busy mail order department.

She helps with the organisation and filing of the sheet music and is responsible for ordering and sales of musical gifts.

Jennie is an avid 'Rock City' goer and makes the best tea and coffee this side of Columbia!