Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Dr. G. O. Jones MBE

DMA MMus FTCL FRSA FICL (Hons) ARCM psm

President, London Band Week

Graham started his military career as a musician in the Royal Artillery Band. In 1981 he enrolled at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, successfully graduating the Bandmaster's Course. Following several army band appointments during which he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire, Graham returned to the Royal Military School of Music in 2000 as Officer Commanding, Training Development Team.

In 2001 Graham achieved his life-long ambition and was appointed the 16th Director of Music, The Coldstream Guards, frequently providing musical support for the Changing of the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace, in addition to other ceremonial duties and state occasions.

Music education is a passion for Graham. As a leader he was the first Army Director of Music to gain a Doctorate of Music Arts (DMA). Graham became the Senior Director of Music for the Household Division in 2007, a pinnacle point in a glittering career spanning almost 40 years of military service.

Mr. John Wyndham MBE

Patron, London Band Week

Born in London in 1945, a hard start to life quickly taught John that resilience and hard-work were going to be key attributes to being successful.

As a "Boy Bugler" in the London Sea Cadet Corps, John experienced first hand the positive influence of life in a band. His musical journey continued as a young adult where he played the trumpet in popular music bands including "The Farm", "The Kingsmen" and "Scrooge and the Misers".

The self-development benefits of music performance crossed over into John's professional life and supported him throughout his international business career. In 1990, John founded one of the most successful youth marching bands in the United Kingdom. Today, he remains at the heart of the band's operations.

For his services to "Youth Music" John was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2001 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The investiture was held at Buckingham Palace where John collected his award personally from The Queen.

Major (Retd) Steven Collins

Patron, London Band Week

Alongside being an award winning sportsperson at international level, Steven spent much of his time as a teenager playing music in his local marching band. For him it was the perfect balance of activities to complement his academic studies, and Steven is the first to point out that the skills acquired during his time in the marching band were not limited to only music and marching.

Upon graduation, Steven enlisted in the British Army, serving first in The Parachute Regiment for 10 years before passing selection for the UK's Special Forces where he spent a further 10 years at the forefront of global operations as an Officer Commanding. His professional career taught him that teamwork, endless practice and loyalty were key ingredients for success.

Steven is a passionate advocate for helping young people to realise their true potential.

Married to Chrissy, who he met in Germany at a marching band festival, they have 3 children who Steven encourages to participate in music.