Carrie & Joanne Dobson

Our musical life started at the age of 8 at Oakwood school. A year later, with thanks to our former music teacher Josie Miell, we joined Michelmersh Silver Band. We have now been with the band for over 13 years. From starting on the lower parts, we have now moved up through the sections and now Joanne plays Solo Cornet, and Carrie is Principal Solo Horn. We have contested with the band every year, including performing in the National Brass Band finals in Cardiff. Michemersh Silver Band is a very big part of both our lives and we have enjoyed our time in the band performing in a number of concerts, engagements and Christmas events.

Our musical career extends from playing in many of the Southampton youth groups including the Southampton Youth Brass Band, Orchestra, Wind band, and the newly formed Pops Orchestra. These have provided many opportunities to travel, including countries such as France, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria and Canada. In the summer of 2001, we were part on an extremely successful trip to Washington DC, USA, which included concerts in Virginia Beach, the Millenium stage, and the Great Kennedy centre. We have both performed in the Royal Albert Hall for the School Proms, and The Royal Festival Hall, London. We have also performed with many of the local orchestras, pit bands and the Meridian Wind Band.

We both achieved our Grade 8 at the age of 17 and have an A level in music. Carrie also plays French Horn and has recently achieved her GSMD in performance; Joanne has also achieved the award on the Trumpet. We also both teach teach youngsters to play brass instruments, and have just recently set up a Brass Quintet, in which we performed in the Rose Bowl for the Hampshire and Australia cricket match.

As well as being student nurses, our other interests include skiing and swimming. We have a vast circle of friends in the band with which we enjoy socialising with immensely. This includes the regular visit to the local pub after Friday night band rehearsals!