Colin R Waller

Colin hails from the east end of London being a true "Eastender" and was a product of the Newham Academy of Music.

On gaining a place at Music College he attended Trinity College of Music London (now Trinity Laban) studying horn with John Burden, composition with Richard Arnell, Percussion with Michael Skinner and conducting with Bernard Keefe the latter of whom became a major influence on his musical journey. Having started at Trinity on the horn it soon became obvious that conducting and composition were a greater passion and he soon became a regular conductor with the college symphony orchestra and ensembles. Several compositions gained their first airing during this time including Sinfonietta, and Symphonic Poem “The Rock” the later of which was give him his award of a Fellowship with some very gracious comments by composer Arnold Cooke. It was also during this time (1975) that his jazz Prelude received its first performance by the “Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra” under their conductor James Blair. The height of his achievements at Trinity came when he was awarded the “Ricordi” prize for conducting and received the college’s nomination for the prestigious “John Barbirolli” competition. His composition “Fellowship” was complimented by a “Licentiate” diploma as a horn player and also as a conductor.

After his first year as a freelance musician during which he made appearances at the RAH as a soloist with the MAYC Orchestra, playing in Rep theatre, plus appearances on radio and television, he decided to channel his enthusiasm for music to the education sector.

More recently his health issues have called a halt to his work in schools but, as with most composers who fall ill, it was his music that carried him through. Now, following a long spell of recuperation, and with a number of new works receiving their “Premiers” including his first Royal Albert Hall (London) premier plus a number of new commissions including a new march “The Second Sea Lord” for HM Royal Marines Band Service. He is currently Director of Music at the Britannia Royal Naval College where as a VBI he organises 4 ensembles as part of the BRNC Volunteer Band so its hardly surprising that his current composition output would be reflected in this genre.