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Based in Derby, UK, Ben Marples is a versatile drummer with a passion for making people move. He’s been playing since the age of 10, performing across a wide range of settings including wind bands, orchestras, theatre pit bands, jazz and big bands, as well as original bands both live and in recording studios.

Ben is usually found behind the kit in rock and pop cover bands, but also enjoys the soul and R&B grooves of Blue John. His career highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall, supporting Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards on tour, and being part of the first band to ever play live on BBC Radio Derby.

Currently, Ben keeps busy performing with Derby Concert Band, three rock/pop cover bands, and Blue John. He loves creating rhythms that get audiences up and dancing, bringing energy and groove to every performance.

Steve has been doing the tech for shows since he was in school… helping run the lights (while also being on stage).

Since he started teaching, back in 1997, he has helped run school shows – lights, sounds and projections.

His favourites include “We Will Rock You” – for which he created video backdrops that synced up with the music and set up a mini studio for the live-feeds, “Little Shop of Horrors” – which has amazing soul music and a singing plant (performed by a vocalist in a separate booth) – and Return to the Forbidden Planet – where we made the stage look like a 1960’s Sci-Fi spaceship set (including monitors showing animations – e.g. radar showing the monster approaching)

More recently, Steve was asked by his work mate Simon, to consider taking on the tech for the band – bringing everything “in house”.

We started simple, PA speakers, mics, and a mixing desk. Now we have a fully computerised (and iPad controlled) system for the sound and lighting rigs… that somehow fits into his car!

Steve has also taken on the roles of photographer and recording / editing videos for YouTube, designing posters / tickets and managing the band website.