Where were you born (you don’t have to share the date with us if you don’t want to!) and where do you live now?
Born in Beverley 1944 and now living in Flockton.
Summarise your musical career to date in no more than twenty words!
Self taught the alto sax from 16 years old. Studied clarinet at a college in Hull and gained ALCM in 1980. Played with Police Band in Hull plus various other groups. Moved to West Yorkshire, joined the Fire Service Band. Eventually realised the error of my ways and joined Shepley Band in 2007.
When did you join Shepley Band – and more importantly, why on earth did you join?!
Angela Griffith recommended Shepley Band as a ‘jolly lot’ and I have found it is unique in its friendliness, lack of cliques and acceptance of all ranges of abilities.
What do you enjoy about being part of Shepley Band? We assume you enjoy the band of course!
The members have been superbly supportive to both myself and Michael during a very difficult time over the last twelve months.
What has been your favourite moment with Shepley Band?
Don’t really have one favourite moment but there were a lot of favourite moments in Sweden.
What’s your favourite piece of music of all time?
I don’t have one favourite piece of music.
Who’s your favourite composer? Those still living don’t count by the way – it’s all noise with them!
My favourite composers are Mozart, Telemann and Vivaldi.
Apart from all the hours you put in every day practising (obviously) what else do you get up to in the real world?
I retired (??) in 2008 and helped look after my youngest grandchild for a while. I am now a full time carer for Michael and of course Oscar the dog.
Fantasy Dinner Table – imagine you’re having dinner – who would you want on either side of you – and why?
David Tennant and Matt Smith – should be entertaining.
Oh, and what’s your favourite food – after Sheila’s World Famous Ginger Biscuits?
Cashew and Mushroom layered roast with Mushroom and Sherry Sauce and Christmas Cake.
Your private plane is sitting on the runway at Shepley Aerodrome. Where would you like to go today – and why?
I would really like to do a full tour of South Africa which has been termed ‘A World in one Country’.
You’re a very modest individual, shy and retiring (like everyone in Shepley Band) – but what’s been your greatest achievement to date?
Greatest Achievement – three wonderful daughters.
We seem to be living in a celebrity culture today – so if you could be a celebrity who would you be and why?
I wouldn’t like to be a celebrity – too stressful!
You’ve managed to get the TV remote control all to yourself. If you could have an evening of your favourite telly programmes what would you watch (after you’d finished daily practise of course)?
Wild At Heart, Dr Who, Merlin, Being Human and similar escapist rubbish.
Finally, you found an old oil lamp on your way out of our Christmas Concert. You rubbed it and Jude the Shepley Band Genie appeared and granted you three wishes. What did you wish for?
Born in Beverley 1944 and now living in Flockton.
Summarise your musical career to date in no more than twenty words!
Self taught the alto sax from 16 years old. Studied clarinet at a college in Hull and gained ALCM in 1980. Played with Police Band in Hull plus various other groups. Moved to West Yorkshire, joined the Fire Service Band. Eventually realised the error of my ways and joined Shepley Band in 2007.
When did you join Shepley Band – and more importantly, why on earth did you join?!
Angela Griffith recommended Shepley Band as a ‘jolly lot’ and I have found it is unique in its friendliness, lack of cliques and acceptance of all ranges of abilities.
What do you enjoy about being part of Shepley Band? We assume you enjoy the band of course!
The members have been superbly supportive to both myself and Michael during a very difficult time over the last twelve months.
What has been your favourite moment with Shepley Band?
Don’t really have one favourite moment but there were a lot of favourite moments in Sweden.
What’s your favourite piece of music of all time?
I don’t have one favourite piece of music.
Who’s your favourite composer? Those still living don’t count by the way – it’s all noise with them!
My favourite composers are Mozart, Telemann and Vivaldi.
Apart from all the hours you put in every day practising (obviously) what else do you get up to in the real world?
I retired (??) in 2008 and helped look after my youngest grandchild for a while. I am now a full time carer for Michael and of course Oscar the dog.
Fantasy Dinner Table – imagine you’re having dinner – who would you want on either side of you – and why?
David Tennant and Matt Smith – should be entertaining.
Oh, and what’s your favourite food – after Sheila’s World Famous Ginger Biscuits?
Cashew and Mushroom layered roast with Mushroom and Sherry Sauce and Christmas Cake.
Your private plane is sitting on the runway at Shepley Aerodrome. Where would you like to go today – and why?
I would really like to do a full tour of South Africa which has been termed ‘A World in one Country’.
You’re a very modest individual, shy and retiring (like everyone in Shepley Band) – but what’s been your greatest achievement to date?
Greatest Achievement – three wonderful daughters.
We seem to be living in a celebrity culture today – so if you could be a celebrity who would you be and why?
I wouldn’t like to be a celebrity – too stressful!
You’ve managed to get the TV remote control all to yourself. If you could have an evening of your favourite telly programmes what would you watch (after you’d finished daily practise of course)?
Wild At Heart, Dr Who, Merlin, Being Human and similar escapist rubbish.
Finally, you found an old oil lamp on your way out of our Christmas Concert. You rubbed it and Jude the Shepley Band Genie appeared and granted you three wishes. What did you wish for?
1. Good health for Michael and all our family (that’s probably more than 3 wishes).
2.
3.
2.
3.
Who are you and what instrument do you play?
Anita Fenton – alto sax.
Anita Fenton – alto sax.
The Shepley Band Interview
