Percussion

Roger Biggin. Roger was born in Birmingham and learnt to play parade drum and drum kit in the Boys Brigade and School Jazz Band. He is a retired police officer and played for many years with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Band on percussion with the main Band and in the Corps of Drums. Theatre work has included percussion for the Exeter Police and Hospital Players annual pantomimes, local gang shows and Roger has also played for various brass bands. He is a former member of the percussion section and Corps of Drums for the Britannia Naval College Volunteer Band. Other interests are music of all genres, motor homing, travel and low alcohol beer!

Shirley Stokes. Originally from Portsmouth, Shirley started playing the clarinet at the age of 11. By the age of 15, She was playing for various ensembles in Portsmouth including pit orchestras. AT the age of 17, she joined the Staff Band Womens Royal Army Corps and served for 8 years. After leaving the Army, Shirley continued to play in orchestras and other ensembles and in 1994 she moved to Devon. At present, she is principal clarinet of Torbay Symphony Orchestra which she joined in 2011 and also plays in various wind bands. She is a very fine clarinettist but has diversified into playing timps, cymbals and tuned percussion in brass bands.

Ben German. Ben joined the Band in November 2022 and is following in his Dad’s footsteps as a percussionist. Ben started playing the drums at the age of 8 and has lessons with one of the finest drum teachers in the UK. As well as playing in the band, he attends Torbay and South Devon Music Centre and plays as a soloist in various concerts. His other interest is playing golf with his Dad and Grandad.