Gustavo Ubeda conductor

Robert Was leader

I started playing the violin at the age of 7 through school, and I played in the orchestras through the Huddersfield Education Services. I eventually passed through the system and by the age of 15, I was leader of the Senior Orchestra under the conductor, Colin Sutcliffe. After my Secondary education I then attended the Huddersfield Music School, where my violin tutor was Bert Whone. At the end of my studies I joined the Coldstream Guards as a Musician and led their Orchestra.

Whilst in the forces I studied at the Military music college at Kneller Hall in Twickenham. Towards the end of my time with the Guards, I was performing regularly around the various Concert Halls in London, also playing at the BBC, as a freelance musician. Once I had left the Guards, I then become a full time performer in the same venues. Since the late 70s' early 80s' I was engaged as a software technician with several companies and did not perform very much due to time constraints and also starting a family.

All my children were encouraged to join in the music groups at their schools and all of them started to play the violin. It was their first violin tutor who put me in touch with the Harrow Symphony Orchestra, after I had played in various educational establishments with the Hillingdon Music Schools' Staff Orchestra.

I have been with the Harrow Symphony Orchestra for about 5 - 6 years, becoming leader in 2001, after our then leader left to take a sabbatical in Australia.

Andrew Hickman assistant conductor

Andrew studied music at Middlesex University and specialised in Music Performance. He conducts regularly the Concert wind band of Harrow Young Musicians. He is a great lover of classical music in general, but is particularly interested in Romantic 20th century and English music of the late 19th and early 20th century. Andrew also plays first trumpet in the orchestra.

Margaret Herron chairman

Margaret became Chairman of HSO in September 2011. She has been involved in musical activities all her life, having studied at Trent Park with piano as first instrument. She taught music at primary level for many years but only started learning cello in 2005 on retiring from full-time work. In addition to playing in the orchestra Margaret also plays cornet and tuned percussion in a Brass Band, and she sings in a local choir.

Stephen Randall treasurer

Stephen Randall was born and brought up in Eastcote and has lived in Pinner for the last 30 years. His father, Stan, was a brilliant self-taught pianist who also played accordion, trumpet, ukulele (a la George Formby) and harmonica, and would make a reasonable job of playing any musical instrument that came within his grasp.  Stephen inherited his father’s love of music and studied clarinet from the age of 12 at the Harrow School of Music with Betty Connah gaining distinction at Grade 8, and winning the Mayor of Harrow’s prize for music in 1972.

After A-levels Stephen had to choose between a career in music and in engineering.  Deciding that engineering was the more secure option, he studied chemical engineering at Imperial College.  He now works as an environmental consultant with a major UK engineering firm.  However, music has continued to be a major part of his life and Stephen has taken every opportunity to play in local orchestras, ensembles and bands.  He has been principal clarinet in the Harrow Concert Band for over 20 years and joined Harrow Symphony Orchestra in 2000.

In addition to the clarinet, Stephen is an accomplished tuba player and plays regularly with Highgate Brass Decet.  He also dabbles in composition; his march “Blue Arrow” has been adopted by Harrow Concert Band as their signature tune.

Matthew Bennett  webmaster

Robin Smith french horn

After a shaky start learning the horn while at secondary school in Shropshire, with perseverance (and not to say bloody mindedness) Robin discovered the joys, and occasional tribulations, of ensemble playing in the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Concert Band. During further education and career since then, Robin has always found a group to play in as an escape from the stresses of working life. Particular highlights included playing light opera with the Middlesex Hospital Medical School Orchestra and Mahler symphonies with the New Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra. Robin also enjoyed the more mainstream orchestral repertoire with the London Medical Orchestra and the Chichester Symphony Orchestra.

While working in the West Country Robin played for the Trowbridge Orchestra for a number of years. During that time he took the orchestra on tour to Trowbridge’s twin town, Leer in Ostfriesland, Germany, where they performed in the Kreismusikschule.

Robin joined the Harrow Symphony Orchestra in 1994 when his work brought him to Northwood, and he was elected Chairman several years ago.
Carole’s (his wife’s) perspective: “Robin was an enthusiastic horn player when we met in 1979. Believe me an orchestra rehearsal beats washing up! We’ve supported each other through the prevarications of keeping an amateur orchestra going. All one needs is a sense of humour!”

One aspect of Carole’s support is that she and a very long standing friend, Mary, often very kindly help the Orchestra by running the box office on the days of concerts.

Helen Simon flute

Helen grew up in Harrow and started playing the piano at the age of 6 and the flute at 11. She attended North London Collegiate School where she learned flute and piano and was a member of the school orchestra and choir. One of her most memorable experiences from her school days was singing in the school choir as part of the Bach Choir’s Easter performances of Bach’s St Matthew Passion at the Royal Festival Hall. Helen attended the Royal College of Music Junior Department, enjoying the music on offer, including performing in the choirs at the Royal Albert Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

After leaving school, Helen went to Leeds to train as a teacher, specialising in music. Since qualifying she has had a variety of teaching jobs, including private flute and piano teaching. She joined the Harrow Symphony Orchestra after leaving college. Later Helen continued her flute studies and had lessons with David Butt, and she performed a Vivaldi Flute Concerto with the orchestra.

A few years ago, she took a very late gap year, travelling with her husband around the world and then returned to resume teaching and start a family. They have two daughters, an eight year old budding violinist and a six year old beginner cellist.  Helen re-joined HSO 2 years ago when her children let go of the apron strings and picked up the musical ones. Helen now teaches music at her children’s infant school and enjoys her flute playing; especially flute duets, quintets and playing with her children.

Yoko Dati double bass