Based near the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk borders, Soham Comrades Brass Band is a friendly and ambitious second section band that competes in the London and Southern Counties area.. The band plays at a range of contests and receives recognition for their performances by their contest placings and results.. In addition to contests, the band puts on concert performances across the East of England.
History of Soham Comrades Brass Band
1921-2021
​
Click on the above pdf to learn more abut the band's history, written by a long-standing member of the front row cornet section, Mr. Colin Smalley.​​​
Musical Director -David Minchin GMusRNCM, PPRNCM, PGCE
David studied composition and tuba at the Royal Northern College of Music and has played with some of the country’s foremost Brass Bands. He is well known in the Cambridge area as a local teacher, musician and conductor, with his compositions being performed widely, including in the United States and Canada. He has his own printing label ‘Inch Publications’ producing educational material.
As a former Arts Development Officer, David is passionate about the benefits that the arts can bring to all ages and communities and is a regular Course Director and tutor for the Cambridge Holiday Orchestra music courses and one of the Patrons of the Cambridge Community Music Festival (https://www.ccmf.uk/people/david-minchin-patron)
As well as being appointed Musical Director of Soham Comrades Brass Band, David is also MD of Waterbeach Brass, having taken them to their highest ever competition achievements in 2022 and equaling their Regionals result again in 2025. David also conducts the East Cambridgeshire Wind Band and PhilHarmonia workshop days.​
David is delighted to be conducting Soham Comrades Band, with whom he has played over many years, and is looking forward to help shape the band as it builds for the future.
