Rob Spalton - TCB Musical Director
Rob is a versatile musician with many strings to his bow. Principally a trumpet player, Rob has performed and recorded extensively with artists across the country spanning every genre from leading chamber choirs (such as Ex Cathedra) and West End stars (Rachel Tucker), to legendary folk artists (Fairport Convention) and even reggae groups (Bob Marley's Wailers). Over the last 15 years, Rob has appeared at most major UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Shrewsbury Folk, Latitude, WOMAD, Greenman, Boomtown, and Cropredy festival, to a crowd of 20,000+.
Career highlights include together with his band 'The Destroyers', composing and performing at the opening of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and in his capacity as an RAF reservist musician, marching in procession bands at the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles & Queen Camilla.
As a passionate educator, Rob has workshopped and taught in schools across the country, and regularly tours and lectures with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's mighty LEAP ensemble. At Repton School in Derbyshire he served as Head of Brass, and Teacher of Music & Music Technology over a nine year period, and has taught students from beginner to degree level, and celebrated the success of students being accepted into the National Childrens' Orchestra. He is currently a Visiting Teacher of Trumpet at Warwick School.
Rob has worked as an ensemble leader since 2009 with a variety of groups, including working as Musical Director of the Central England Concert Band, and The People's Orchestra, with whom he was fortunate to conduct part of the closing handover ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Rob took up the baton with Thame Concert Band in April 2024 and has exciting plans for the 2026 season.
Rob lives with his wife, Holly - an incredible flautist - and their two young daughters Evie and Rosie. In his spare time, Rob reads Lesley's emails, and awkwardly writes about himself in the third-person.
Sue Cooke - TTB Musical Director
Sue grew up in Derbyshire, where her musical ability was recognised early, and was awarded the County Music Scholarship. As a young musician, she performed in the Junior Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, an experience that helped shape her future career. She went on to study the French Horn at the Royal College of Music, where she won both individual and ensemble awards for her performance and musicianship.
Following her studies, Sue worked as a professional musician, performing in numerous touring and West End productions, including Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera. After settling in Oxfordshire, her focus shifted increasingly towards music education. For over 20 years, she has taught in both private and state schools in and around Oxford, developing a strong reputation for nurturing musicians of all ages and abilities. Sue is passionate about encouraging confidence and enjoyment while helping students develop the technical skills required to play music well.
Directing Thame Training Band brings together Sue’s extensive performance and teaching experience. She is committed to creating a friendly, supportive, and confidence-building environment in which players can develop positively, exploring a wide range of well-known music from classical works to pop and film genres. Away from TTB, Sue enjoys walking her two dogs and has recently discovered the gym.
Kasey Stone - The Sax Pack Musical Director
Kasey is the Musical Director of The Sax Pack, the saxophone ensemble of Thame Concert Band. A saxophonist with a strong background in ensemble performance, Kasey has extensive experience playing in concert bands, saxophone groups, and other mixed ensembles, developing a deep understanding of blend, balance and stylistic flexibility.
Alongside performance, Kasey has a keen interest in music education and musical leadership, working with players of varied ages and experience levels. This background shapes a rehearsal style that is clear, encouraging, and purposeful, helping musicians grow in confidence while refining technique, listening skills and ensemble awareness.
Kasey is particularly passionate about showcasing the versatility of the saxophone family, exploring repertoire that ranges from well-loved classics to modern and characterful arrangements. Under Kasey’s direction, The Sax Pack focuses on strong musical standards, teamwork and, above all, enjoyment of making music together. As part of the wider Thame Concert Band community, Kasey is proud to lead The Sax Pack in creating engaging performances and a welcoming environment where musicians can develop and thrive.