Peter Mitchell 
Former MD, now Vice-President, Peter has now completed more years with the band than I've had hot dinners, including over TWENTY years as conductor (WHY, man?) before handing over the reins to Jon Penton. Despite the continual ebb and flow of key players to University and/or areas of the world where someone with a degree can actually get a job outside teaching, he continues to help in the search for the young players that keep the band alive.
He was born and educated in West Sussex before moving to St Leonards to carry on his education at the Grove school. After learning to play the cornet at the age of eleven, and playing in many local bands, orchestras and ensembles, Peter decided upon a musical vocation. Joining the army in 1969, he spent the next seven years as principal euphonium player, with the Band of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars. During this period he attended the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall to further his studies.
After leaving the army, he joined Battle Town Band as a player, becoming the Musical Director in 1981. He was the assistant Brass co-ordinator for the County Music Service before parting company with them in 2001 and also Musical Director of the County Youth Brass Band, which he set up with several of his colleagues in 1994. Peter currently works in several local schools, teaching brass and running ensembles as well as forming and directing the 1066 Wind Band several times a year, and organising the annual East Sussex Brass courses each February. Since leaving the County Music Service he has handed over the running of Battle Youth Brass - the junior arm of the full band - to Jon Penton, who he has now also saddled with direction of the senior band. This leaves him more time to travel round the country getting stuck on Virgin Trains at the expense of the National School Bands Association, of which he is treasurer. Peter still keeps his oar in, even if only because he's the only member of the band fierce enough to scare the younger players into turning up to concerts.
Of course, as a teacher, Peter often finds himself with more spare time on his hands than he knows what to do with. When not keeping fit helping his brother out with his gardening business, this is usually filled by his favourite hobby - Real Ale (and why not?). As Chairman or the local CAMRA branch he can often be found trawling the pubs of Sussex in pursuit of a decent pint (or five) of Harveys. If he should ever offer to buy you a drink, do not say "Ooh, I think I'll have a nice pint of lager please".