Page updated: 24 November 2007
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Have you ever stopped to think of a special person that inspired you and made a difference? |
Well, for me, that special person was Robin O’Connell. It all started in 1974. We were in a truly unique situation – a brand new secondary school, just 120 pupils and seven members of staff. One of whom was a rather shy, 28 year-old English and music teacher – Robin.
From very early on, Robin took the time to encourage us to try a musical instrument. After six months of borrowing a clarinet from the school, I was given the opportunity to purchase one. So in early 1975, my parents bought me my first Boosey & Hawkes Regent clarinet for £64! I still have the receipt.
 1982 - Robin in Hanburg |
1982 - Conducting the band in Hanover |
It wasn’t long before a wind band was formed. We would rehearse Thursday lunchtimes and for one-and-a-half hours after school on Fridays. Around this time Robin started the Saturday Morning Music School. Between 9.00 am and mid-day, pupils would show for lessons in the Theory of Music, group guitar lessons and individual tuition by woodwind and brass specialists all working towards exams. We stayed for the whole morning – not just turning up for our lessons. These were good times and a great bunch of youngsters.
Another demonstration of Robin’s commitment and generosity in giving his time to the pupils was that the music room was open to any of us before school and during lunch breaks. Robin always joined us with Scruffy, his canine companion, and a mug of coffee. He had a relaxed and natural relationship with his pupils.
 1981 - Robin at Roedean School for Girls |
1984 - Robin, Scruffy and Trevor at Roedean School |
Over the years the school band entered many competitions, and I’m extremely proud to say we always came first. The rapport that Robin had with the band when conducting was amazing.
It wasn’t just the pupils that Robin affected. Many of our parents were newly introduced to wind band music. They weren’t just our chauffeurs to Music School on Saturdays, rehearsals or to here, there and everywhere for competitions and concerts. They, too, shared our musical experience.
 1980 - Robin and Adrian Chapman at The Castle Pub, Eynsford |
 1982 - Robin, Trevor and John Pritchard on route to Germany |
 1979- Robin driving the band bus |
From the school band around ten of us joined Eynsford Concert Band when we left school. But that’s another chapter!
Robin was very easy-going with a relaxed manner. He had a wicked sense of humour with an infectious giggle. We all totally respected him and wanted to do our best for him. He certainly did his best for us.
Thank you, Robin.
Gill Bacon
(Monk)
October 2007
Sadly, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Robin who formed the Band in 1972.
In his memory, the Band’s chosen charity has been Macmillan Cancer Support, for which we have already raised over £1,000 and hope to double this during our season of Christmas Concerts.
Many thanks
to Gill for taking the time to reflect on the fond memories that we have
of Robin.