Former RAF Central Band bass player David Stokes has landed at Friary. David is a highly experienced tuba player who has played with a number of leading bands in the Midlands, London and South of England. His musical roots are with The Salvation Army and he was for many years a member of the renowned Chalk Farm Band. Upon leaving full time education he joined Royal Air Force Music Services and was a member of the Royal Air Force Central Band for 12 years. During this time he travelled the world on playing tours to such places as the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Scandinavia and most countries in Western Europe.
On one memorable occasion he was with the Central Band in Jordan and found himself, along with his colleagues, in a broken down bus in the middle of the desert waiting for rescue whilst a flock of vultures circled overhead! Closer to home, David has been a member of Rigid Containers Group Band, William Davis Construction Group Band, Redbridge Brass and First City Brass. He is an Associate of the Royal College of Music, Fellow of the London College of Music and has a B Ed in Music Education. "I'm delighted to be joining Friary Brass Band and have appreciated the warm welcome extended to me. I look forward to making a contribution towards Friary's continuing development and its quest to be the best it can be".