David began his musical career at the age of 13 as a trombonist for Barnstaple Town Military Band and Bideford Town Brass Band. In 1987, he joined the Army and was posted to the Band of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. During his two years at the Royal Military School of Music, David took a change of course, studying flute and classical piano under Graham Mayger and Veronica Clayton respectively. It was while he was at Kneller Hall that David discovered his passion forwriting band arrangements.
After postings to Northern Ireland and Cyprus in the early nineties, David successfully passed an audition for the Life Guards Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. During a series of summer concerts with the Life Guards Band, David was persuaded by the Director of Music to take yet another musical change: he became the principal oboist of the Band, a position that he held until he left the army in 1998.
The Director of Music
David A. Vaninetti-Smart FLCM
David began his musical career at the age of 13 as a trombonist for Barnstaple Town Military Band and Bideford Town Brass Band. In 1987, he joined the Army and was posted to the Band of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. During his two years at the Royal Military School of Music, David took a change of course, studying flute and classical piano under Graham Mayger and Veronica Clayton respectively. It was while he was at Kneller Hall that David discovered his passion forwriting band arrangements.
After postings to Northern Ireland and Cyprus in the early nineties, David successfully passed an audition for the Life Guards Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. During a series of summer concerts with the Life Guards Band, David was persuaded by the Director of Music to take yet another musical change: he became the principal oboist of the Band, a position that he held until he left the army in 1998.
The Director of Music
David A. Vaninetti-Smart FLCM
David began his musical career at the age of 13 as a trombonist for Barnstaple Town Military Band and Bideford Town Brass Band. In 1987, he joined the Army and was posted to the Band of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. During his two years at the Royal Military School of Music, David took a change of course, studying flute and classical piano under Graham Mayger and Veronica Clayton respectively. It was while he was at Kneller Hall that David discovered his passion forwriting band arrangements.
After postings to Northern Ireland and Cyprus in the early nineties, David successfully passed an audition for the Life Guards Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. During a series of summer concerts with the Life Guards Band, David was persuaded by the Director of Music to take yet another musical change: he became the principal oboist of the Band, a position that he held until he left the army in 1998.
The Director of Music
David A. Vaninetti-Smart FLCM
PRINCIPAL TRUMPET VACANCY
The Heroes Band has a fantastic opportunity for a musician to join and lead the team as Principal Trumpet.This position might appeal to anyone who has performed as Principal Trumpet/Cornet (or co/joint/assistant) of any similar ensemble e.g. brass band, brass quintet, concert/wind band, orchestra etc, or have the same playing ability.
The Heroes Band is a group of enthusiastic and ambitious musicians who enjoy performing fun and challenging music, whilst supporting the fundraising activities of the Help for Heroes Charity, as well as maintaining the charity’s public profile through the Band’s performances.
If you (or if you know of someone who might be interested) please contact us providing your music cv, or a brief biography/covering letter about your experience and suitability for the position, but most importantly, please include your name and a contact number. Please email this to us by clicking the following link:
Please note the deadline for applications is 5pm on Saturday 14th February 2026
We also have general vacancies in all other sections of the band i.e.
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Eb/Bb Clarinets, Alto/Tenor/Bari Saxophone
Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium (Bass & Treble Clef), Tuba/Bass
Percussion: Tuned/Untuned
Strings: Double Bass/Bass Guitar, Keyboard
How to contact us
+44 (0)7771 928 558