Vernon is an analytical chemist working for the Environment Agency in Leeds and is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He initially took up the clarinet at primary school, but later started playing guitar with encouragement from his grandparents both of whom were talented musicians. He also played violin for a time whilst at Roundhay Grammar School. Once his Chemistry studies were completed Vernon resumed studying music at Leeds College of Music, taking his clarinet playing to grade 8 with Peter Davis.
Vernon has played in local amateur orchestras, including Leeds Arts Orchestra under the direction of Robert Tebb. He is currently principal clarinet of the Alwoodley Sinfonia, where he plays alongside his wife, Lesley. He has played lead clarinet with the James Farrell Concert Band for a number of years before taking up the baton in October 2005. Vernon is also associated with the now disbanded Shadwell Concert Band and has performed as soloist and member of a wind quintet at Leeds Music Club.
Vernon has attended conducting courses run by Imelda Leah (Sing for Pleasure) and Mark Heron (North Cheshire Concert Band) where coaching was also given by Russell Cowieson and Philippe Bach. When time allows Vernon would like to take his clarinet playing to diploma level.
Deputy Conductor - Jerome Masters
Jerome joined JFCB in 2005 and plays Solo Cornet with the band.
In recent years Jerome has played with the Durham University Student
Brass Band and the University of Southampton Concert Band. Jerome is
also a former Bandmaster of Wareham Town Band, Dorset.
Vernon is an analytical chemist working for the Environment Agency in Leeds and is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He initially took up the clarinet at primary school, but later started playing guitar with encouragement from his grandparents both of whom were talented musicians. He also played violin for a time whilst at Roundhay Grammar School. Once his Chemistry studies were completed Vernon resumed studying music at Leeds College of Music, taking his clarinet playing to grade 8 with Peter Davis.
Jerome joined JFCB in 2005 and plays Solo Cornet with the band.
In recent years Jerome has played with the Durham University Student
Brass Band and the University of Southampton Concert Band. Jerome is
also a former Bandmaster of Wareham Town Band, Dorset.