Roger Burke was appointed Musical Director of Alder Valley Brass in 2007. Born into a musical family in Wigston, Leicestershire, his father taught him to play the cornet from the age of seven. Eight years later he transferred to tenor horn and finally to euphonium with the Kibworth Band. Deciding to make a career in music, Roger enlisted into The Staff Band of The Royal Corps of Transport where, after studying at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, he was ultimately promoted to the rank of Band Sergeant Major. In 1991 he was selected to serve at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and it was during his two remaining years of military service that his association with local bands first began.

Since leaving the army in 1993 Roger has developed a career in facilities management for a building consultancy company.

Roger’s enthusiasm and desire for contesting success is matched with a unique ability to extract the very best from a group of amateur musicians and a talent for putting together programmes that are entertaining for all.