Jeff Rimmer – Conductor

    
                                                                    
I was brought up in a household full of music. My father Fred, was a brilliant pianist and church organist and from an early age I played the recorder, piano and violin. I took up the flute aged 14 and within 2 years had passed my Grade 8 Associated Board. By 17 I had joined the Merseyside Youth Orchestra and from then on the flute, and orchestral music, became my life.

My career took me into the world of finance but music is a part of my daily life and has always featured heavily in my working day. Music in the car, music in the office, music around the home, music in the bath (too much info!) You get the idea!

Having spent a lot of my spare time playing in theatre pit orchestras, I became interested in Musical Theatre and was always interested in the Conducting/ Musical Director role. The opportunity came to conduct Oliver! for a local musical society (The Birkdale Orpheus Society) and from that moment, I was hooked. Working with various local societies, I spent 10 years as Musical Director in over 40 productions.

It was during the run of a show that the then leader of Southport Orchestra, Lesley Mycock, mentioned that Southport Orchestra were looking for a new conductor and asked me if I would be interested. This opportunity would allow me to combine my love of orchestral music with my conducting and so the answer was easy. YES!!!!!

Southport Orchestra is very important to me. A fantastic group of friends, working together to make great music. Working tirelessly to improve and, most importantly, enjoying the results. Playing the flute in many orchestras over the years has helped me understand the conductor's role. I have had the pleasure to observe and work with some of the best and hopefully some of it has rubbed off on me. I think I can empathise with all my musical colleagues and can hopefully see things from both sides.

The net result is a fabulous orchestra, of whom I am immensely proud to say, I am their conductor. It is an honour to do this and one I will never take for granted. When I eventually hang up my boots (ok, baton!) I will look back on this time with great affection and pride.