Based in Gloucester and originally from South Wales, Paul Holland is one of Europe’s most respected and in-demand brass band conductors and adjudicators. With a career spanning top-level performance, championship-winning conducting, and international collaborations, Paul has established a reputation for musical excellence, innovation, and leadership.

As a performer, Paul enjoyed significant success with the Black Dyke Band, performing in major concerts, CD recordings, and national broadcasts. He collaborated with artists including Elton John, Jools Holland, Tori Amos, The Beautiful South, and Sting, and was part of the historic “Grand Slam” winning team that simultaneously held the European, British Open, and National titles. During his music studies at Huddersfield University, Paul also performed with elite bands including YBS, Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe, and Foden’s.

Paul’s passion for conducting was inspired and shaped during his time at Black Dyke under the mentorship of James Watson. After graduating, he returned to Wales and led the Newbridge Band through an exceptional period of success, guiding them from the Third Section to the Championship Section and securing multiple Welsh and National titles.

He is currently the full-time Musical Director of the Flowers Band (Gloucester) and the Woodfalls Band (New Forest), and serves as Professional MD with Brass Band Schoonhoven (Netherlands), Tertnes Brass (Norway), and Wallberg Band (Switzerland). He is also regularly engaged as a course director and guest conductor for numerous brass band schools, national youth bands, and festivals across the UK and Europe.

Under his leadership, the Flowers Band has achieved unprecedented success, including their first-ever National Championship of Great Britain title, highest-ever results at the British Open, and qualification for the European Championships. Paul is the only conductor to have won eight West of England Regional titles, seven victories at the Butlin’s Mineworkers Championships (including a historic hat trick), four French Open titles, and three Yeovil Entertainment Contest wins. Additional accolades include victories at the Grand Shield and Senior Trophy, as well as podium finishes at all major UK contests.

Internationally, Paul has conducted at the European Championships, World Music Contest (Kerkrade), Norwegian Elite Division, and Dutch National Championships, which he won with Brass Band Schoonhoven. He has also served as Musical Director of the National Youth Band of Wales and was the inaugural conductor of the National Youth Band of the Netherlands.

As an adjudicator, Paul maintains a busy and prestigious schedule. He has judged at the highest level across Europe, including the British Open, Spring Festival, National Championships of Great Britain, SIDDIS (Norway), Swiss Open, French Nationals, Butlin’s Mineworkers, and events in Denmark, Lithuania, and beyond.

In recognition of his contributions to the brass band world, Paul was awarded the Iles Medal in 2025. He continues to champion musical innovation and is deeply committed to commissioning and promoting new works for the brass band medium.

The position of Musical Director is supported by Ledbury Community Band.