Founder & PATRON
Norman Warnes Sqn Ldr (R’td)
MBE
IN FOND MEMORY
Norman spent the majority of his distinguished career in the RAF Music Service, serving as the Director of Music for the WRAF Central Band. After retiring from the RAF, Norman held a number of positions, before taking up a music post with the local education authority in the 1980s. It was during this time that he founded the Worthing Schools Concert Band—known today as the Davison Worthing Youth Concert Band.
The band excelled under Norman's commanding leadership, and with the assistance of a supportive parent committee, band weekends and concerts were organised, and European tours were undertaken. They even performed at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London. He ran a "tight ship", but whilst Norman could be strict—nobody dared to mess around in his rehearsals (though a few brave souls tried!) —he was always up for fun and had a great rapport with young people.
Upon retiring from education, Norman and his wife, Win, moved to Lancashire to be near their daughter and family. Win was a pillar of support for Norman - a constant face at band events, and a great encourager to the young musicians of the band. The couple frequently returned to Worthing to visit loved ones and always made time to pop into rehearsals.
Although the newer generations of the band did not know Norman personally, they would instantly fall silent the moment he stepped up to the conductor's stand. Even in his later years, he maintained a powerful military presence and could still effortlessly put a band through its paces!
Norman passed away in 2024 at the grand age of 96, reunited with his devoted wife, Win, who passed away a few years prior. The fact that a number of former band members travelled all the way to Lancashire for his funeral is a true testament to how deeply he was respected by the "youngsters" he taught decades previously.
Norman inspired and shaped countless young lives, including that of our current Musical Director, Karen. She grew up playing in the band under Norman's baton, proving that his incredible influence spans generations, and that his work continues even today. One thing is for certain: there was, and will only ever be, one Norman! ♥️
A Tribute from our Musical Director, Karen “Growing up in the band under Norman was certainly an 'experience'. As a junior band member, he seemed terrifying, and moving up to seniors only confirmed my fears! Yet, while he demanded absolute perfection and respect, he balanced that discipline with an infectious love of music and a twinkle in his eye! Praise from Norman was rarely given, so when you actually received it, it meant the absolute world. He taught us that band life was about musical excellence, but also friendship, community and pride.
As I grew up, Norman maintained an active interest in my music studies and when I chose conducting as part of my degree, he became a brilliant (yet still scary!) mentor. He would chat with me after I’d led a rehearsal, sharing his wisdom on how to command the room and get the absolute best out of the players. That advice still resounds with me as I strive to maintain his standards and keep his love of music alive for young people. It is an incredible honour to carry on 'his baton', so I just hope he is looking down with approval!”