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Diane Atkinson a.k.a. DISAX. 07530 360919 Based in Churchdown, Gloucestershire, UK. |
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More information… Diane Atkinson C.T.ABRSM. Cert.HE.Prim Mus Ed. Dip Ed (Mus) Born in Cheltenham I attended a local primary school where I was inspired to play Bassoon by a visit from what was then the Gloucestershire Music Service. During my teenage years I was taught by one of Gloucestershire's most prominent jazz musicians and switched to Tenor Saxophone. Playing in the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (GYJO) gave me a taste for performing and provided some of the closest friends I have. It was whilst working for a Cheltenham Public Relations firm, where I gained Business Administration qualifications, that I realised I should be pursuing music as a full time career and so left to study Music Education at Birmingham University. I have taught privately since 1998 and for Gloucestershire Music since 2000 where I am part of the Woodwind, Curriculum Support and Wider Opportunities teams. Still performing regularly, I am one half of Ain't Misbehavin' Jazz Duo offering tenor and baritone sax, flute and vocals; I play Baritone Sax and sing for THE BIG SWING BAND. In 2006/7 I was the musical Director of Cheltenham based METZ Big Band and now hold the Baritone chair for Crescendo Big Band. Always interested in new projects and ideas I work with and play for a variety of other groups, I have dabbled in theatre work, circus skills, investigated opening a jazz club in Cheltenham and similar in Gloucester Docks. Every couple of years I return to juggling, I still can’t do it, but poi is so much easier. A cross between twirling and juggling, the balls are on a string so even if you do go wrong you don’t have to chase after anything! |
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What can I say that won’t be covered properly on the other pages? I am both a performer and work in music education because I love them both! Does it make me a Jack of all trades? Possibly Do the two inform each other? Undoubtedly. The variety of life, emotion and variety of communications encountered within education are limitless and these definitely inform my playing. Likewise, performing regularly means I can teach practical musicianship. My aim is to inspire as well as to instruct.
When I am not playing or teaching I like to read, I have recently returned to my house following building works so there are many, many, jobs and projects to enjoy not to mention the garden! Please have a look at the links below showing various public ‘gigs’. Oh, and if you are one of the many people who took a photo of “the band” one of my performances, please do e-mail the pics!! |















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Woodwind and brass instrument sales and repairs |

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Personal Profile for Diane Atkinson |