Kelvin J Parker

Over the last few years i have spent alot of time (& money) setting up my new venture. This was completed in May 2017 and I now go out on my own with an amazing BOSE p.a system and backing tracks. I love this as I can play music across all genres for any occasion be it a Ibiza style birthday party, a Glenn Miller evening, a pop based wedding or a classical clarinet concerto. I am concentrating on weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions now to give you the perfect day you wished for. I want to make your day/evening unique for you and will find, write and arrange any music for your special occasion. During the last five years I have played extensively for some of the worlds largest cruise companies with numerous contracts for P & O, Holland America, RCCL and Carnival. This entails backing west end style shows, world famous singers and cabaret acts. In 2013 I played for the show Chicago . The show is a tough multi doubling chair, incorporating tenor & soprano saxes, clarinet and piccolo. Up to 2011 apart from performing with the Joe Loss Orchestra I worked with various big bands, played for theatre productions in musicals such as “The Light in the Piazza”,“The Wild Party”, “Parade”, “Annie”, “Guys n Dolls” and many more. I have recorded with my own band and for others. In July 2oo8 I started my new band “Sticky Fingers” . The band is a fusion of funk/jazz/latin and rock. Since June 2004 I have had the privilege of playing lead alto with the Joe Loss Orchestra which travels all over the country playing concerts as well as formal/informal dances. In January 1999 I set up my own function band, Easy Street. This was a six piece band playing all styles of music for various occasions. From 1989 - present during the Christmas period I play music for pantomimes, (oh no I don’t!) responsible for both arranging and playing everything from Bass Clarinet to piccolo. During 1996 I worked in the resident band at Butlins, Ayr where I played for various production shows and provided backing for cabaret shows including Grease, the Butlins Story and the Sound of the Drifters. Peripatetic Music Teacher Teaching Saxophones, Flute & Clarinet I taught woodwind at the Knightsbridge school from May 2006 - July 2012, ages here are eight to thirteen. From January 1997 to April 1999 I worked for Surrey Music and Performing Arts as a peripatetic music teacher where I taught a range of ages and abilities. From 1990 to 1992 I taught clarinet, saxophone and flute to pupils aged from 11 to 18 at Bearwood College, Reading. Musician with the Staff Band of the Irish Guards (British Army) Principal Saxophonist (also Clarinet) March 1989 – October 1994 Whilst I was with the Irish Guards Band I played at events such as Trooping the Colour, State Opening of Parliament, Royal Garden Parties and Changing of the Guard. The band also regularly played with the RPO at various venues around the country performing the Classical Spectacular. I played lead alto for the All Guards Big Band at Wembley Arena. During my time with the Irish Guards Band I also took on various roles as a freelance musician, including working as Musical Director for Gerry Cottle’s Circus. The Band also played at other events such as the FA Cup Final and the Rugby World Cup. Musician at the Royal Military School Of Music (Kneller Hall) Studied clarinet under Paul Harvey. I was in the Number One Band as well as playing lead alto in the Big Band. Studied saxophone under John Sands. Musician with 16/5 Queen’s Royal Lancers (British Army) Clarinet & Saxophone September 1982 – March 1989 During my time with the 16/5 Lancers I attended various John Dankworth Jazz Courses, where I was able to meet and play with Tony Coe, Jimmy Hastings and Don Rendell. I also spent 2 years in Germany with the band where I played at various events, including the Monte Carlo Rugby Sevens, and toured many European countries. Achieved Distinction in Grade VIII Clarinet – Associated Board (1985). Achieved Grade VIII in Music Theory – Associated Board (1985).