Alan Smithers
Alan is the Solo horn player and longest serving member of the band joining in 1969. He is also the Band’s Treasurer.
Alan was born in Kent and at a very early age, moved to Cranbrook when he spent most of his schooling days. His first introduction to music was at Cranbrook primary school where he played the recorder and within a very short time became proficient at all 5 types (Sopranino, Descant, Treble, Tenor & Bass).
While at primary school Alan joined the Town Band starting off on 2nd Baritone and after a short time progressed to 1st Baritone. After a year or so, Alan moved onto Tenor Horn and has stayed there ever since.
At Angley school Alan progressed from recorder to Clarinet. This was short lived and soon moved onto playing the Oboe. In 1973, he moved to Cranbrook school where in addition to playing the Oboe, he started playing the French horn. He played in the various Wind Bands and Orchestras and his love for the French Horn meant the Oboe had to go.
In addition to playing with the Cranbrook Town Band, Alan also played for the Kent Police Band for around 5 years in the 80s. He still enjoys playing for the band and puts his length of service down to the friendliness of the band and the interesting music they play.
Outside of the band, Alan has been working for Bank of America for over 24 years and his hobbies include Photography, Cooking, Golf (runs the Brass Balls Golf Society), Scuba Diving and travelling.