Unsung Heroes: Clare Smith, Flowers Band

One of the things I love most about this blog is getting the chance to meet and chat with people from right across the banding world. Many are familiar faces - players I already know and have shared bandrooms, contests, and conversations with over the years. But it’s the unsung heroes feature that I enjoy most of all: getting to know those I haven’t crossed paths with before, whose stories quietly sit behind the success we all see on stage.

This time, I’m delighted to catch up with Clare Smith, second horn at Flowers Band. I remember listening to Flowers as a kid, at the much-missed Yeovil Entertainment Contest, and the West of England Areas and they were always one of the best bands there. However, in recent years they have been nothing short of remarkable hitting even greater heights and achieving tremendous success. Clare has been there throughout, experiencing the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.

Getting to know you

“I started playing the cornet when I was just six years old”, Clare explains. “With my dad and three older sisters already playing with the Ramsbury Band in Wiltshire, it was pretty inevitable I’d end up joining in too”. That family influence was important, and appeared again when Clare’s father encountered Francis Cowley, then principal cornet with the Swindon British Rail Brass Band. “That chance meeting led to my dad joining the band, and to me picking up the cornet for the first time” she remembers. “Francis was a peripatetic brass teacher, and my dad asked if he’d give me lessons and so, aged six and still in infant school, I started learning to play. Once I could manage a few tunes, I joined Swindon Young Musicians - first the training band, and then their Easter and Summer music courses held in local schools. One of my earliest memories is sitting on a chair that was far too big for me, my feet swinging in the air until a kind tutor popped my cornet case under my feet so I could sit properly”.

Joining the Young Musicians group helped to fan the flames of early enthusiasm. “Back then, school music lessons were everywhere, and totally free. I was lucky to use my dad’s cornet, so there was no cost to my parents at all. The music courses were incredibly well attended, and the brass band had over 40 players. It felt like being part of something big. As I improved (still having my weekly lessons with Fran), I moved up to the Youth Band and gradually worked my way up to Principal Cornet. My final year with the Youth Band was a memorable one as we won the Youth Band Area competition, beating our rivals, the Hampshire Youth Band. I remember the excitement of qualifying for the Nationals in London, and the slight disappointment when we realised the finals were at Hammersmith Town Hall instead of the Royal Albert Hall. We gave it our all - but came last! Still, I was proud to be part of it”.

Throughout her career though, Clare has never forgotten her earliest influences, as “Francis Cowley remained a huge inspiration to me”. I still remember watching him play La Virgen de la Macarena from a balcony during a concert with the British Rail Band at our local theatre. I was mesmerised. I’d go to rehearsals with my dad and sit at the back, completely absorbed.

Swindon and Aldbourne

And so, band became an important thing for Clare with her week soon becoming full of music. “I had Swindon Young Musicians Youth Band on Monday nights, and British Rail Youth Band on Fridays” she says. “It was at one of those Friday rehearsals that, aged 14, I was asked to audition for the Senior Band, which by then had changed names a couple of times and was known as Swindon Concert Brass. At first, I played 4th down, but before long I was moved to repiano cornet, just in time for my first Senior Band Area contest in 1985. The test piece was Waverley Overture, and Ken Dennison was conducting. We were awarded 3rd place at this contest, just missing out on a chance to play at the finals at the Royal Albert Hall - my ultimate goal. At the time, there were only two women in the band, my eldest sister Janet and me. She eventually stepped back when she started her family, leaving me as the only female player. One of the highlights from my time with Swindon was a concert we did with Roy Castle. He performed some solos and even played a few joint pieces with the band. Afterward, the band organised a social with Roy, and since I was the only woman in the band at the time, I was asked to present him with a signed flyer. He was an absolute gentleman, gracious and charming. Fran took a photo of us together, and it’s still one of my most treasured pictures. Even when I went off to university, I kept playing with the band. I’d catch the train from Reading to Swindon every Friday night, make it to Sunday morning rehearsals, and then travel back in time for lectures on Monday. But around this time, things started to change; there was some unrest within the band, and it became clear that things weren’t quite as they used to be”.

By this time, Clare had made new friends, some of whom played with Aldbourne Band and, in due course, she was invited to attend rehearsals. “They invited me to a couple of rehearsals, and I remember sneaking out of the house with my cornet hoping my dad wouldn’t ask too many questions” she remembers. “I wasn’t planning to jump ship; I just wanted to see what the band was like. But then came an AGM at Swindon that turned tense, and several players walked out”. This proved to be pivotal moment. “Even though I knew my dad and Fran would be disappointed, I decided to leave Swindon and join Aldbourne in February 1990. My dad, thankfully, understood. Fran, however, didn’t speak to me for two years. That was hard as he’d taught me since I was six, but I understood his reaction. Our musical journey together had been long and meaningful”.

Joining Aldbourne however, turned out to be a life-changing decision. Not just musically, but personally as it was Clare met her future husband, Carl. “I started on cornet at Aldbourne, but when the flugel player took time out to become a dad, I was asked to fill in. I enjoyed the challenge, but in hindsight, I wasn’t a natural flugel player. I thought I had the sound at the time, but let’s just say I was a bit overconfident! Then one evening, our professional conductor, Melvin White, brought a new flugel player along. The moment I heard him, I knew he was the right fit. I didn’t want to go back to cornet, so I asked if I could try tenor horn instead. I started by sharing the 1st horn part, but when the solo horn player had to leave due to work, I was offered the solo horn seat, and I absolutely loved it. This was the instrument I was meant to play. It suited me, and I embraced the challenge completely. A few years later, Carl and I got married. Despite not having spoken for a few years, Fran agreed to play at our wedding, and not just that, he wore the Aldbourne Band uniform. Seeing him there, playing in the band that had become such a huge part of my life, was incredibly special. It felt like things had come full circle”.

Blooming at Flowers 

After many years playing with Aldbourne, change came again in 2008, when a simple concert would change the course of Clare’s banding life. “Philip Harper, then Musical Director of Polysteel (Flowers) Band, was invited to conduct one of Aldbourne’s annual concerts, for whom I was still happily playing solo horn”. But then, fate stepped in. “Like many brass banders, I was enjoying some post-contest refreshment at the West of England Area contest” Clare remembers, “when I struck up a casual conversation with Philip. Nothing more than the usual chit-chat… or so I thought. A few weeks later, Carl received a phone call from Philip asking if we would both join Polysteel. They were on the lookout for a cornet and horn player, and suddenly we were faced with a big decision”.

Leaving Aldbourne wasn’t an easy decision. “Carl had been with the band for 20 years, and I’d spent 18 years there myself. It felt like family. But the chance to play in the prestigious contests and maybe, just maybe, reach the National Finals was too tempting to ignore. So, after one last contest with Aldbourne at the Spring Festival in Blackpool, we stepped into our new chapter with Polysteel, making our debuts at the English Nationals in Preston”.

Over the years Clare has experienced many memorable moments with Flowers, but a few stand out above the rest. “My first time playing at the British Open 2008 was thrilling, though bittersweet as the band was relegated that year. It meant a long wait before I could return to that stage. The following year, I realised my dream of competing at the National Finals. I’d aspired to play there from a young age, and finally stepping onto that stage was unforgettable. Another highlight was 2015, when Flowers not only competed at the Nationals but was also invited to provide the prestigious post-contest concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Our draw meant we played second in the contest but we gave a solid performance, spent the day in London, then returned to perform the concert. A long (and dry!) day, but well worth it when Flowers were awarded 4th place and Paul Richards, our soprano player, was named Instrumentalist of the Day”.

There can be no doubt though, that 2024 tops the lot for Clare, as Flowers came 2nd at the British Open, securing an invitation to the European Championships in 2026 before going one better that October, winning the National Finals. “We knew we’d given a fantastic performance of Harrison’s Dream” Claire reflects. “or me, the slow movement was spellbinding, thanks to breathtaking playing from Luke (principal cornet), Paul (soprano), Emily (solo horn), Lauren (flugel), Chris (trombone), and Dan (euphonium). The atmosphere they created was magical. After the performance, we enjoyed the usual contest-day refreshment, then waited nervously for results. The tension was unbearable. Dan Thomas was named Instrumentalist of the Day, a well-deserved recognition of his brilliance. Then came the fanfare… and the announcement: Flowers, 1st place. The celebrations that followed were pure joy. Photographs with the famous National Trophy, cheers from fellow bands, hugs, laughter, and memories we’ll never forget. As one of the ‘older’ members of the band, I left the younger players to continue their late-night revelry, but the photos and videos the next day showed just how much it meant to everyone.

“Looking back, I think one of the reasons the band has gone from strength to strength is the people”, Clare reflects. “The friendships, the work ethic, the commitment everyone pulls together, and nobody wants to let anyone else down. Rehearsals are tough but full of fun, and it’s clear that every player goes away knowing exactly what to improve for next time. Mistakes are rare, because everyone wants to play at their best; not for themselves, but for their friends and the band. And it’s not just the principal players who carry that responsibility but every seat in the band is filled by someone who works just as hard”. Of course, with the working hard comes the playing hard. “It’s also about the camaraderie. After contests, you’ll often find the whole band socialising together, laughing, sharing stories, and celebrating (win or lose). That bond has been a huge part of Flowers’ success”.

Of course, life is a delicate balance of highs and lows as Clare has learned both inside and outside the band world. “For me, the journey through banding has been just as rewarding as it has been challenging” she reflects. “One of the most difficult moments I faced during my time with Flowers Band was in 2014, when, after winning the Grand Shield, I had to miss out on the chance to return to the British Open as I needed to put my family first. At the time, my child was struggling severely with anxiety, and the demands of band rehearsals and the upcoming contest became nearly impossible for Carl and I to balance. After a lot of thought, we decided that one of us would need to step back from the contest, and unfortunately, that was me. It was an agonizing decision, but it felt easier to find a replacement for the horn rather than be without a stable support system at home. As difficult as it was, especially when the band placed 3rd, I couldn’t help but feel that bittersweet emotion of ‘I should have been there’. Despite that, I was overjoyed for the band’s success”.

Life Outside of Band

Music has had a key and lasting influence on Clare’s life, both personally and professionally. “I’ve spent 27 years as a primary school teacher at the same school, having started back in September 1990” she explains. “For most of that time, I was also the school’s music coordinator, which gave me the opportunity to inspire children through the power of music. Teaching Year 5 and 6 was a passion of mine, and I truly loved the interactions with the students. However, by 2018, Clare felt the need for a change. “I found myself disillusioned by the state of education” she reflects. “The endless meetings, ever-changing initiatives, and the increasing administrative burden wore me down. It wasn’t that I didn’t love being in the classroom, far from it. But it became harder to ignore how disconnected the actual teaching felt from the bureaucratic layers surrounding it. I eventually decided to leave full-time teaching and try something different. I began working as a supply teacher, and to my surprise, I absolutely loved it. The freedom to teach without the constant pressure of paperwork and meetings brought a new work-life balance that I had never experienced before”. The love of learning and sharing experiences didn’t leave Clare though. “Today, I work as a supply teacher at a special school where I can be teaching the youngest children in the morning and senior students in the afternoon. The variety keeps things exciting, and the sense of fulfilment I get from making a positive impact on each child’s life makes it all worth it”.

“Outside of banding and teaching, I don’t have too many other hobbies, especially while my children were growing up. My time was mostly spent running them to their various activities - dance lessons, football training, swimming lessons, and the like. I’ve always been more focused on my professional and musical life than on sports or other extracurricular activities, though I do try to get a swim in when I can. Now, my role in the band has expanded beyond just playing - I’m also the contest secretary and treasurer. This means I help ensure the band’s finances are managed properly and take care of the logistical aspects of contest days”. Looking to the future, Clare hopes to continue playing Flowers Band for a few more years, ideally hitting her 20-year milestone with the band. “This just so happens to coincide with the band's 60th anniversary. How perfect would it be to celebrate both of those achievements together?”

A Bit of Fun

If you could play any non-brass instrument, what would it be and why?

If I had to pick a non-brass instrument I’d like to play, it would have to be the flute. Growing up in a family full of string players, I never had the inclination to join them, though there were plenty of instruments lying around. My father even bought a double bass! I had piano lessons when I was younger, but I never really enjoyed them and it always felt more like a chore than a joy. I found my calling with brass and never had any urge to try another instrument - though, if pressed, the flute would probably be my second choice. At university, we had to learn a second instrument as part of the course, so I took up the flute to keep my embouchure intact while still being involved with the band, and although I could get a decent sound from it, it didn’t quite capture my heart the same way brass did.

If you were on Desert Island Discs, what would your eight recordings, one book and one luxury item be and why?

This would be a tough call, but at the moment I’d likely pick several Flowers Band recordings that I’ve been involved in, including:

• Harrison’s Dream (2024)
• The Lost Circle (2024)
• Spiriti (2015)
• Within Blue Empires (2009)

And of course, I’d throw in some classic pieces like:

• The New Jerusalem—Grimethorpe’s winning performance from 1992
• Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony
• Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances

An early Genesis album (maybe The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway or Wind and Wuthering)

For my book choice, I’m a sucker for crime and mystery fiction. Authors like Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, Martina Cole, and more recently Richard Osman keep me hooked. I’d have a tough time picking just one book, though! And finally, my luxury item on the desert island? A never-ending flask of coffee. I can’t start my day without a good cup of the stuff, and I’m pretty sure I’d need it to survive isolation!

If you were to release a solo album, what solos would you select and who would you choose to accompany you?

This is a challenging question! To be honest, I’ve never really imagined myself recording a solo album, but if I were to, I’d certainly choose Flowers Band as my accompanists. As for the solos, that’s where it gets tricky. There are several pieces I’ve played in the past that I would love to include. Some of them are pieces I’ve performed for my own enjoyment, and others are pieces I’d like to think I could play, even though I know my abilities might fall short! Here’s what I’d consider for my solo album, in no particular order:

• Piper of Dundee
• Demelza
• Higgyjig
• Enter the Dance
• Capriccio Briliante
• Rainforest from Windows of the World
• A Time for Peace
• Meiso (a horn and baritone duet)

Although putting together a solo album feels like a huge undertaking, these pieces would truly capture the essence of my musical journey. Playing alongside the talented Flowers Band would make it all the more special - not that I would ever want it to happen.

In the end, my life has been one of balancing personal and professional commitments, musical passion, and family life. But through it all, banding has remained a cornerstone of who I am, and I hope to continue sharing that passion with Flowers Band for many years to come.