Percussion

Jason Mildren.

Jason Mildren started playing drums at the age of 5, attending the Band of the Island of Jersey Corps of Drums rehearsals. Even at this early stage it was noted that Jason had great potential to become a talented musician.

Not only was Jason learning the rudiments needed to be a complete drummer later on in life, he was learning to play cornet under the watchful eye of his father, Dave Mildren, who was an ex-professional Euphonium player with the 4^th/7^th Dragoon Guards.

Jason went on the have trumpet lessons with local teachers Neil Sawyer and attended the Jersey Youth Wind Band. His drumming carried on through this brass playing, but he joined The Band of The Island of Jersey as a back row 3^rd cornet player.

After a couple of years on the back row, the current Kit percussionist decided to leave, and at the age of 11, this is where his percussion playing started.

Being the only percussionist, Jason really only concentrated on the kit, but when he decided to leave the island for London in 2001, this changed slightly. Joining The Central Band of The Royal British Legion, was a big step up to tuned percussion playing, which came to a head by playing ‘The Two Imps’ on numerous occasion around the country.

Jason has played with a number of Brass Bands, Regent Brass, Brent Brass, Grimsdyke Brass (London). Band of the Island of Jersey, Jersey Premier Brass and Guernsey Concert Brass.

Jason shows his versatility by playing in various local bands. The Well Swung Jazz Orchestra, Millerlite (7 piece swing band), Martha High (Rock Band) and also guests for The Jersey Big Band now and again.. As well as these bands, Jason has been part of the pit orchestra in the Jersey Opera House for the best part of 10 years.

Jason joined JPB in 2004 and played his first contest at the area’s in March 2005. Three contests later, and he has a 100% win record after winning the 3^rd section finals, Harrogate 2005, and winning the 2^nd section areas’ in March 2006.

Brent Connan

Kayleigh Alexandre