William McConnell is a native of Dundee, whose musical education began at the age of 9 with fiddle lessons at the Dundee School of Music in 1940. After the war he joined the Royal Marines School of Music at the age of 15 where he continued his musical education. He enjoyed a full life of music-making all over the world on strings and woodwind, and even, on occasion performing the traditional role of “the Ship’s Fiddler”. On retirement from service in the Royal Marines in 1979 he was invited to join the staff of The King’s School, Canterbury, where he was happily involved with all things musical throughout the school for many years. Now mid way through his 7th decade he is still enjoying teaching pupils of all ages; writing and arranging music for strings, woodwind, orchestras and bands.
In his spare time Bill enjoys restoring stringed instruments, and walking with his family and dogs in the remote north west Scottish highlands.
His interest in Folk music is heartfelt, believing, as he does that folk tunes are our heritage: they express something which can be told in no other way. As a boy he was given a jig a week to learn. This practice encouraged invaluable development in playing the fiddle and the music appealed to a wide audience, whose appreciation did much to boost the young player’s confidence.
More information at the Royal Marines Band web-site.
E-mail: mcconnell@fiddlerscorner.co.uk