TPO conductor’s fond farewell on role that ‘made difference to people’s lives’

Conductor Julian Powell has been a leading light for The People’s Orchestra (TPO) family and looks back on fond memories as he bids farewell to the music charity. He also gives top tips for whoever takes on the meaningful role next.

As a conductor, musician and Board of Trustees member, respected Julian has left his mark on TPO. No more so than with the The People’s Big Band and Rusty Players’ orchestras, which he took part in and steered for several years.

Leading percussionist Julian is a specialist in drums and percussion from Handsworth Wood in Birmingham. He got involved with TPO five years ago, but will sadly leave this summer to concentrate on other commitments. That includes his show on Brum Radio called Random Acts Of Kindness at 9pm every Wednesday.

Yet Julian will be taking with him plenty of cherished memories from TPO, including conducting hardy musicians outdoors in the pouring rain at Walsall Arboretum to leading a heartfelt Christmas concert in Bramall Music Building at the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston.

It’s these unique experiences and more that he says a new conductor will be able to enjoy, giving his advice to anyone who’s looking for a new challenge in the West Midlands.

Julian got involved with West Bromwich-based TPO in 2021, when communities could start meeting together again after Covid lockdowns.

With a love of music and international expertise in his field, Julian quickly went from being a drummer in The People’s Big Band to conducting South Birmingham and Black Country Rusty Players and sitting on the board.

“Conducting the Rusty Players was the most enjoyable experience for me because I could help them improve,” says Julian, who previously worked at Dudley Performing Arts. “I saw their improvement continuously over two years, which felt good.

“I’m very proud of both the Birmingham and Black Country groups, but especially the Black County one where I started out with four people and there are now 23 members.

“It’s come a long way. I listen to that group of people and they sound really good. I’d worked in the Black Country so I knew people who’d want to come and play and it’s great that it has worked out.”

Julian Powell, wearing a black Rusty Player's Orchestra branded t-shirt, conducting the orchestra inside The Elgar Concert Hall in Birmingham.

“Most of all, I’ve seen wonderful breakthroughs among the members and at rehearsals,” recalls Julian.

“I’ve always worked in music and never been a fan of working on music that’s too hard for people. It’s about enabling members to play better.

“I like to think I’ve used the music to educate people, so they feel they are better musicians, and ultimately perform better together.

“It’s great for me to have seen quite a few people change the way they’re playing and grow in confidence. I’ve done everything from explain musical terms to focus on syncopated rhythm, that’s the kind of thing it involves.

“For whoever takes on the post after me, this is good role to make a difference to people’s lives.

“Music and the arts are the greatest form of mental health. Rehearsing one night a week for people in an orchestra or band is such a good break from the other stresses of the world.

“That’s why I always say the first piece at a rehearsal is never that good as people can still feel the day on them. Once it’s over, they can move on.

“I don’t think of it as leading a band but as leading a family and there’s a great sense of community in everything we do at TPO.”

One of the things Julian will miss is the fun repertoire of music that the TPO family has become so well known for. “I’ve got some favourites from during my time at TPO,” smirks Julian.

Julian Powell performing on a drum-kit at the Walsall Arboretum with The People's Orchestra. He is wearing a blue TPO branded t-shirt, holding drum-sticks.

“Things like a musical selection from Aladdin I really liked and also the theme tune from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly film, which is an epic piece to perform.

“When I started working on that one, I wasn’t sure if it could work but it’s a great piece of music and I remember how the members performed it so well at MAC(Midlands Arts Centre) in Birmingham. They played it really well.

“I’ve got a lot of performances that stand out for me.”

Some of those include TPO’s popular and atmospheric Christmas concerts at extraordinary venues in the UK. The charity that uses music to improve people’s lives has performed at everywhere from world famous Birmingham Symphony Hall to Comicon events.

“I have so many memories,” ponders Julian. “The Christmas concert at Bramall Music Building I enjoyed. It was a good concert although the lead up to it was stressful.

Julian Powell, wearing a black suit with open-neck white shirt, conducts The Rusty Player's Orchestra at at a Christmas concert inside the Elgar Concert Hall in Birmingham.

“While during the outdoor performance at Walsall Arboretum, it rained so hard but everyone in the Rusty Players rallied together and played as one, despite it pouring down. That was a really nice moment.

“If you want to do this role, you’d need a background in music and leadership. I’d worked in marching bands around the world and leading those gave me those skills.”

Anyone interested in taking on a community conducting role at The People’s Orchestra should contact the charity at hello@thepeoplesorchestra.com explaining their experience and why they would like to get involved.

Find out more about The People’s Big Band here, which plays jazz and swing. New members can also get a two week free trial before they commit.

By The People's Orchestra