Musical Director
Colin Harris is in his second stint at Backworth Colliery Band. Colin joined the band in 1994, coming fresh into the Newcastle area to study music at the university. During his first time in the band, Colin played chiefly Eb Bass whilst assisting with the running of the band. After a short spell at Gateshead Brass in 2003 (formerly Northumbria Police Band), Colin rejoined the band to take the reigns as Musical Director in October 2004. Since Colin rejoined the band, Backworth Colliery Band have had their most successful period to date, achieving such results as promotion to the 3rd section and 1st at the Durham League contest.
Colin's background 
is in brass banding - his father began his
musical education at the age of 9, playing cornet at Northenden Silver Band,
Manchester. After progressing onto Eb Bass, Colin was fortunate to have Phil
Goodwin of Black Dyke as his musical tutor whilst at school. Combined with a
first taste of contesting with Sale Brass, Colin was well equipped to study
music full time at Newcastle University.
In 12 years in the North East, Colin has played and conducted many brass bands in the area and was M.D. of Ashington Colliery Band for 18 months. Colin also plays for local orchestras and wind bands, and combines his conducting duties at Backworth Colliery Band with playing tuba at the New Tyneside Orchestra.
Colin's main instrument is Eb Bass - however he has played percussion, BBb Bass, Trombone and Euphonium to most levels of banding. He is also a keen composer and arranger of brass band music - his best piece to date is "An Emerald Fantasy", published by Kirklees Music. Never short of an opinion, Colin hopes to bring the musicians of Backworth Colliery Band forward into 21st century brass banding.
