Colin started taking piano lessons at 9 years of age, eventually taking the external examinations of the London College of Music the principal at that time being Lloyd Webber. Colin passed all grades 1 to 8 in playing and the theory of music and eventually achieving a college associate diploma with the right to wear the college robes and append the letters A.L.C.M. Colin then taught the piano privately whilst living in Yorkshire.
Colin joined the local school band at 12 years of age in West Yorkshire on leaving school went on to play with lower section bands in the Yorkshire Region. He had a very short career playing with the champion section band Crossley’s Carpets before they disbanded. Colins most memorable brass banding occasion was being chosen to perform with the Huddersfield and District “All Stars Brass Band” under the baton of Sir Harry Mortimer.
Colin moved to work in the North East in 1977, playing with Aycliffe and Shildon bands at the time. Colin then signed for Fishburn and spent around 13 years with them. Colin finally moved to Cockerton Band where he's spent many happy years!
Neils first note was played on his Dad's (John Parkin) Bb Bass when he was only 2 years old and for as long as he can remember attended concerts and contests with Cockerton Band. Neil started playing Baritone at the age of 14 under the tuition of Steve Goodwin, eventually joining the band on 2nd Baritone in 1987.
After a bried spell with Barnard castle band, Neil rejoined Cockerton in 1990 before the lure of the Championship Section led him to join Northumbria Police Band in 1993. In 1995 Neil joined Fishburn Band where he spent 13 very happy years playing at over 75 contests, winning the Durham League 6 times and achieving his ambition of winning the Northern Area contest and to play at the Royal Albert Hall.
In the summer of 2008 Neil was delighted to return to Cockerton Band, also adding to the growing number of lifelong Darlington FC supporters who play in the band! Nail is married to Gillian and they have 2 daughters, Amy and Eve.
