Colin Farlow is a distinguished music educator and musician who has made a significant impact on the musical landscape of Worcestershire over a career spanning 34 years. Renowned for both his exceptional teaching and his skill as a musician and conductor, Colin’s contributions to the world of music are deeply respected by colleagues, students, and audiences alike.

Colin’s early career as a cornet player saw him perform with several leading brass bands, and later, as a trumpeter, he played with a variety of orchestras. His talent and versatility also led him to be a member of prestigious brass ensembles, including The Pezel Players and Take Four. Throughout his career, Colin has not only demonstrated his musical prowess but also his ability to inspire and lead others.

Colin’s conducting roles have been varied and influential. He has led ensembles such as the Stourport-on-Severn Brass Band, Worcestershire Youth Wind Orchestra, Carpet Trades Operatic Society, Worcestershire Youth Theatre Company, Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra, and Black Pear Symphonic Winds.

Colin began his teaching career with the music service of Hereford and Worcester, where he taught brass in schools across the county. His responsibilities also included performing with the county staff orchestra and brass quartet and conducting the combined schools brass band. Colin’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom as he participated in annual residential brass courses as a tutor and conductor.

After the county of Hereford and Worcester split, Colin continued his work with Worcestershire’s music service, Worcestershire Youth Music (WYM). His role expanded to include running a music centre, managing area-based duties, and directing the Worcestershire Youth Wind Orchestra. Under his leadership, the orchestra achieved numerous gold awards at BASBWE festivals and embarked on international tours, including a notable performance at the International Music Festival in Banff, Canada.

Colin was appointed Deputy Head of Service (Performance) and Head of Brass in 2001, a role that came with significant responsibilities. He oversaw all performance opportunities in the county, led the brass faculty, and organized the annual residential brass course at Bromsgrove School. His leadership also extended to the development of six area music centres and eight central ensembles at intermediate and youth levels. One of his most celebrated initiatives was the annual gala concert at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, which brought together 1,000 young musicians for a spectacular performance attended by families and civic dignitaries. Colin also played a pivotal role in organizing foreign tours to destinations such as Poland, Paris, South Africa, Italy, Germany and China, further broadening the horizons of Worcestershire’s young musicians.

Since retiring as Head of Worcestershire Youth Music in 2014, Colin has reignited his passion for trumpet playing. He now performs with Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra, Hereford Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St John, Solihull Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonia of Birmingham.