Martin Wills was born in Ilton and started to learn the cornet at 15, when he joined the Army as a Junior Bandsman in the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry, where he saw service in many countries. Martin also studied the bassoon at the famous Royal Military School of Music (Kneller Hall) under Ronald Wailer. After 8 years with the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry, Martin returned to the Light Infantry Depot as an Instructor of Woodwind and Brass instruments, in 1980 Martin returned to Kneller Hall to complete the Bandmasters Course that included learning how to play all the instruments of the military band. This expertise is now well used - in addition to being Musical Director of Taunton Concert Band; Martin is employed as a Full Time Tutor with the Somerset Music Service and is Co-Manager of the Somerset County Youth Orchestra.
Robin Bush Chairman of Somerset County Council presented the chairman’s Golden Jubilee Award, to Martin in 2002 for his outstanding contribution to the County of Somerset. The award was for personal dedication and hard work as Musical Director of Taunton Concert Band.
