Newhall Band

Shiela Dixon - Solo Cornet

Shiela Dixon

 

profile

At what age did you start playing? 6 years old - gave up at 16, then took up playing again after an 18-year gap!
How long have you played with Newhall Band? 5 years
What instruments have you played? Tenor horn, baritone and euphonium as a youngster. When I took up playing again, I went for trumpet and cornet - the instruments I'd always wanted to play!
What bands have you played with? Salvation Army and school bands as a child, then Newhall after my years in the wilderness. I also enjoy sitting in with other local bands when dates don't clash.
Favourite piece of music and why? Edward Gregson's 'Prelude for an Occasion'. Rousing Fanfare opening and ending, a pretty cornet solo, an uplifting main theme and the most awesome discords towards the end before resolving to the final instrument-straightening major chord. I can't imagine what occasion could possibly follow this piece!
Least favourite piece of music and why? Whatever piece I'm currently failing miserably to sight-read.
Best banding moment? My debut solo performance in 2007 (Percy Code's Zelda).
Most embarrassing band moment? Starting a slow cornet solo in the wrong place at the 2007 NEMBBA contest. I then tried to take a drink of water and only succeeded in pouring it over myself.
What is your banding ambition? To be the best player and soloist that I possibly can be and to feel as laid-back on stage as Wynton Marsalis looks!