Directors of Music

Lauren Petritz-Watts

January 2025 to present

Lauren has extensive experience conducting both within the Army and civilian wind bands since 2012. She has worked with a wide variety of bands in diverse settings, performing traditional wind band repertoire to world premieres, and her passion for the Basingstoke Concert Band is evident in her ability to deliver dynamic, inspiring concerts that will captivate musicians and audiences alike.

Director of Music Mark Atkins

Mark Atkins

January 2015 to December 2024

Mark started playing the trumpet at 6 years of age, playing in a brass band on the Channel Island of Guernsey. At the age of 17 he moved to the mainland and joined the Staff Band of the Royal Corps of Transport.

Serving all over the world and several promotions later, Mark was appointed Band Sergeant Major of The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps, a position he held for 6 years.

On retirement from Army Music in October 2000, he started teaching part-time for Hindhead Music Centre and Hampshire Music Service – positions he still holds – including three schools in the Basingstoke area.

Mark is also a freelance trumpet player and is in great demand, travelling all over the UK. He has performed at all the country’s major venues with some of the country’s finest bands.

Honorary Life President – Roger Ball

Roger Ball

Director of Music 2003-2014

Roger joined the Royal Army Service Corps Staff Band as a band boy in 1955. He went to the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, where he learnt his trade as an army musician. On returning to the band he quickly made an impact and the following year was performing with the No. 1 Band.

During his career, he took part in many tours abroad, including visits to Cyprus, Aden and Germany. Roger held the position of principal cornet for many years and gained the rank of Band Sergeant Major before retiring in 1980.

On leaving the army, Roger quickly became involved in the local civilian music scene performing with Alder Valley Brass Band. A year later, he was appointed Assistant Conductor of the band, and he now holds the position of Honorary Life Vice-President.

Roger started as Director of Music of the Basingstoke Concert Band in January 2003 and retired in December 2014.