Read all about our band conductor Simon Nicholls’ musical background and love of rugby…
Simon began playing trombone aged eight with his local Scout and Guide Band. In 1989, he successfully auditioned for the Royal Marines Band Service, joining the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, Kent.
Performing around the world with Royal Marines bands
On completion of training, Simon spent the following 33 years in various Royal Marines bands around the country. This provided opportunities to travel extensively, visiting the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The Falkland Islands and much of Europe. Particular highlights during this time include playing as part of the first Western Military Band to perform in Tchaikovsky Hall in St Petersburg and a four-month tour of the Far East, with concert appearances in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.
Playing the trombone
As principal trombone of RM Band Scotland Simon was a regular soloist. This culminated in playing as a featured soloist with the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines at the Royal Albert Hall – dressed as a nun!
Prior to leaving the RM Band Service, Simon was awarded the Rushworh Scholarship from the University of Liverpool to study for a Masters degree in Classical Music Industry Studies, graduating with Distinction in 2022.
Today
Now retired from the Royal Marines, Simon is a music educator working in schools across Portsmouth.
Simon is a passionate advocate for community music and has had the opportunity to conduct several civilian community brass and wind bands. He was invited to become Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth and District Concert Band in September 2018.