THE OLD BARN ORCHESTRA
Leader

Derek Webb began playing the violin at the age of 11 in Birmingham and 7 years later he became a member of the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra. As an apprentice Marine Engineer it was not easy to continue playing and when National Service came along, he applied to the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers. He came down to Chatham with a professional engineering qualification at the age of 22 and spent 3 years playing in the orchestra and band for which he learned the clarinet.

Derek became very active in local music, playing for all of the local amateur operatic companies and joining the Old Barn Orchestra for a brief period. In 1969 he became the leader of the Rochester Arts Orchestra (now the CRSO) and recently retired from that position after 35 years of unbroken service. Over the years, Derek played occasional concerts with the OBOS and in the early 1990’s he became permanent Leader.

Derek started making violins in 1990 and since then has always played on one of his own instruments. To date he has made 9 violins and 4 violas & is currently working on a viola based on a 16th Century Gaspar da Salo instrument. He also paints in oils and watercolours and is a keen golfer and tennis player. Derek is married to Sandie and has 4 grown up children and 5 grandchildren.