Rob Head
Rob's musical journey began at a young age with the recorder, but it was at the age of nine, when he started drum lessons, that his passion for percussion truly took hold. Throughout his school years, Rob was an active performer, playing in the concert band, orchestra, and swing band. One of his early highlights was performing at the Royal Albert Hall as the drummer for his school's swing band during a County Music Festival. His talent also took him to the pit orchestra for various London shows, including a notable run in "Kiss Me, Kate," as well as performing as a percussionist in several pantomimes.
Rob's diverse musical experiences include time spent in a rock band and working in London studios with The Prodigy's production team, culminating in the release of a single in 1997.
From 2001 to 2008, Rob served as an assistant with the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band (SNYSB), where he discovered his passion for conducting while leading their swing band. His time with SNYSB provided him with the unique opportunity to perform alongside prestigious military ensembles, including the Band of HM Royal Marines, The Army Air Corps, and The Parachute Regiment bands. Rob then joined the Voluntary Band RAF Honington as Principal Percussionist, where he played under the baton of esteemed conductor Tom Milford, who became a significant mentor. Drawing on this experience, Rob occasionally stepped in to conduct the RAF band, which bolstered his confidence and prepared him for his role as Director of Music for the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band, a position he held for ten years beginning in January 2013. He furthered his conducting qualifications at the London College of Music, earning his certification in 2015.
In January 2016, Rob founded his own youth band to fill a local need for young musicians aged 8 to 18, regardless of ability, to participate in an ensemble and perform for local audiences—a band he continues to lead today.
The idea for the West Suffolk Symphonic Wind Band came to Rob unexpectedly, but it has quickly become a project close to his heart. He envisions the band growing and evolving into one of the leading symphonic wind ensembles in the country. Rob is thrilled with the progress made so far and is inspired by the high standard of music the ensemble is already producing.
Rob's musical career has taken him around the globe, with performances in the Falkland Islands, the United States, Germany, France, and Belgium. A particularly memorable moment was conducting the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band during The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres—a highlight he cherishes.
Outside of music, Rob is a devoted husband to Emma and a proud father to their son, Oscar, who is already showing an interest in percussion under his father's enthusiastic guidance.
