Meet the Band

Bringing more of a “shout in tune” quality than a refined vocalist, Simon has been the powerhouse frontman of Blue John since 2003. A vocalist and rhythm guitarist in bands since school, his musical partnership with Dave H began when they both taught at the same school and started a soul band with students; when Blue John needed a new singer, he was only too happy to step into the role.

By day, he’s a dedicated music teacher and head of year at a large secondary school, where he’s conducted countless bands and choirs and MD’d more musicals than he cares to remember. His musical journey started early, dabbling on guitar as a child before picking up the trombone at 11, which led him to study music at the University of Sheffield. While vocals are his main gig, he can hack away on piano and bass when needed (although it’s never needed that badly). He also plays trombone with Ed, Ben & Sally with Derby Concert Band.

Music is a family affair, as his wife Sally stands next to him as the band’s other vocalist. Outside of gigging and teaching, he’s a proud supporter of the mighty Burton Albion FC, has a growing collection of single malt whiskies, and enjoys building Lego—because who doesn’t love a good brick-based project?

David is the founding member of Blue John. He was Head of Music at Hope Valley College (Derbyshire) in the mid-90s when the idea came following a school trip to see ‘The Commitments’ live at Buxton Opera House. The rest, as they say, is history…

David comes from a brass band background, having been a member of one band or another since he was 7. Eventually, this led to him studying music at Huddersfield University and leaving with a first-class honours degree and consequently a teaching diploma. 

His love of guitar began at a similar time, when his Uncle Terry showed him a few chords as a youngster. Beyond that he is completely self-taught; learning his craft by imitating the licks of Knopfler and Clapton and forming bands as a school student. 

David is a multi-instrumentalist and has been known to play bass guitar, keyboards and sax with the band. It’s been known for him to play the drums in the earlier years too… just for rehearsal mind! 

Almost exclusively, David arranges the horn parts for Blue John and guides the rehearsals (which doesn’t take much effort since the band is an incredibly talented bunch of musos!) 

Nowadays, he enjoys his chosen profession as a brass instrument technician and can be seen conducting brass bands from time to time.

Yes, you guessed it – betrothed to our guitarist and music arranger David, Mandy had been part of Blue John for about 10 years and what a contribution she has made in that time!

Mandy is well known within brass band circles, starting her brass playing as a cornet player with Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) band at the tender age of 9. Such is her talent that she would be awarded prizes in local and national slow melody and solo competitions, eventually leading her to study cornet under the guidance of world renowned cornet maestro, Phillip McCann and graduate from Huddersfield University with a degree in Music and consequently a teaching PGCE.

Mandy was one of 4 women to break the barriers in the brass band movement of being introduced to the world famous Black Dyke Band at a time when previously the band only held male membership and can be proud to have been a member of equally top quality bands such as Fodens, Carlton Main Frickley Band and Grimethorpe Colliery. A much respected instrumentalist within the movement.

Currently, in addition to her playing with Blue John she is the flugelhorn player with Strata Brass under the musical direction of her husband David and is often heard depping for bands around the area on her beloved Eclipse cornet. She is deputy headteacher in a Nottinghamshire secondary school and enjoys family time with her twin children James and Hannah at home in Ripley.