Joseph Mfon Akpan is the principal conductor and director of music of Digital Brass, a group comprising over fifty professional musicians based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. The group which came into existence in 2008, has made special appearances at many occasions, enthralling its audiences with trumpets, flutes and other brass instruments. Akpan, University of Uyo graduate of Fine and Industrial Arts, with emphasis in painting, was in Lagos with his band members recently in an occasion organized by Independent Newspapers Limited (INL). He told our REPORTER Anthonia Soyingbe about the Digital Brass, its uniqueness and his leadership style, among others, in this engaging interview. Excerpts.

How did you find yourself in what you are presently doing?

My passion for music and entertainment; my passion to help our youths be the best they can be musically; my passion to help create an atmosphere of harmony among people; my passion to help build communities that have an element of enjoyment, and satisfaction and purpose, led me into what I am doing. I have always prayed that all my days and all my will and power, and all the passion of my being shall be channeled to bringing joy, understanding and inspiration to people, and we cannot underestimate the power of music in making this possible.

Do you have any training in music?

I received my early music training in The Salvation Army where I started playing the cornet in the Band as a young boy in 1988. Since then, I have attended quite a number of music camps, workshops and conferences in order for me to delve further into the depths of quality music-making. I'm not seeing myself as being perfect already, but I'm eager to continue to expand my horizon.

Is music running in your family?

Yes, though I can't remember seeing my dad or mum play the trumpet or trombone or piano or any musical instrument. I have seen them sing in the Choir. Mum has a beautiful alto voice and dad sings the baritone or bass vocal part. All my brothers and sisters are good singers and brass instrumentalists. Interestingly, three of them play in my Band.

Why did you choose this line of career?

Music and specifically, brass band music business is big business. Aside being quite challenging, it can be highly rewarding and very lucrative at the top end of the profession.

What other things do you do for a living?

I also live as a fine artist, making paintings.

Is this paying your bills?

Oh, yes! You know, business is about growth, results, goals and objectives. It is about profits too. I make my living doing this, so the 'Naira' at the door matters to me.

Do you have any female crew in your Band?

I have three of them. While one serves on the percussion section, the others play the trumpet and Alto Horn respectively.

Do you have any training institute where you train young people who may want to toe this line of business?

This is something that is on the drawing board for implementation in the nearest future. Presently, we are concerned with training members of the band to become more efficient and proficient.

Do you scout for shows or do people invite you?

It works both ways. Sometimes you hear that there's an occasion somewhere that requires some music entertainment, then you go to market your product, the band. On the other hand, we get invited to programmes and people are captivated and impressed by the appearance and performance of the band. You know, people desire quality and something unique. So when they find a band that can lead their guests to experience a crescendo of entertainment and excitement, they come to hire us.

Since you play a special brand of music, do people really appreciate your music?

Brass band music possesses the spirit of humanism and has the power to inspire vitality and hope for the future. Through our performance, we move people to jubilation, and inspire them to attain their human revolution. The sound of the Brass Band is the rhythm of faith. It roars with the sound of passion, as if to crush the angry waves of the ocean and penetrates the hearts of all people. Going by their responses, I believe people really appreciate our music.

Can you let me into your educational background?

I obtained my First School Leaving Certificate at Christ Church Cathedral Primary School, Lagos; proceeded to Federal Government College Ijanikin, Lagos, for my Senior School Certificate, and then moved on to acquire a B.A. degree in Fine and Industrial Arts, specialising in the area of painting at the University of Uyo.

What keeps you going in life?

God and goals keep me going in life. Life, to me, is all about love; loving God and loving humanity. My love for God makes me want always to worship and glorify God and seek to do only His will by His grace and the power of His presence within me. On the other hand, my love for fellow humans keep me wanting nothing less than helping to build happy faces, helping others make the most of their lives, and helping to build communities of love. I believe strongly that service to humanity is the best work of life, and that with music as a powerful and motivating force, I can work with the Digital Brass Band in a variety of settings including projects with young homeless people.

What are those things that actually distinguish you from your contemporary in the industry?

Our quality of performance, the size of the group, our style, and our discipline. With our kind of musical instruments, we can perform anywhere with or without any amplification.

What are your leadership qualities?

Besides having an understanding of the wider music landscape, I have the knowledge and understanding of how to select; plan and structure work to clear objectives and enable progression. I also know a variety of relevant repertoire and resources for different musical styles and genres, and understand the inter-related musical processes of performing, composing and appraising. I possess some specialist knowledge and expertise in the area of instrumental pedagogy. As a leader, I also know how to motivate and enable independent learning, and how to respond quickly to work in progress and influence the quality of outcomes. I am able to create and maintain effective relationships and help members of the band develop their potential, motivating them and encouraging independence. My leadership qualities also include the ability to promote positive values, attitudes and behaviour among members. I'm blessed with organisational skills, including effective planning and time-management and artistic leadership. I'm able to analyse problems, with ongoing reflection and evaluation of my work, and I possess the negotiation, cooperation and communication skills that allow effective teamwork. I have enthusiasm for a wide range of music, and a desire to share this with other people. I also have high expectations of all my band members, with a consistent approach that is respectful of their social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds. As a leader, sensitivity, patience and supportiveness to my band members are qualities I value so dearly.

How do you ensure and instill discipline in your band members?

Instilling discipline in a band is all right. It's very good. But good discipline cannot be at the expense of musicality. It is quite unfortunate that we have plenty of capable leaders, but very few capable musicians. I, in my own opinion, discipline is not just about doing good rehearsals or being able to work with each other in a group. The most important discipline is self-discipline. A musician must be responsible for himself before he can help others. By this, I mean, in addition to practices, he must maintain his passion for what he does to set an example for others. For example, if you're an older member and you play damn well on the trombone, a younger member will not think that the trombone is such a difficult instrument and might even be inspired to improve, perhaps even surpass you in technical ability. There is nothing more rewarding than when your junior becomes better than you. It shows that you've already taught him all you know and he goes on to learn further on his own. But it doesn't stop there. You can practice and surpass him again easily. When this continues between both of you, in the end everyone wins because both of you improved and the band improves.

What is the least number of players you have at every point in time when you are playing?

The Band can vary in size depending on the client's budget and requirement. It's a 50 member band but the least number would be 12 instrumentalists.

The instruments you use look so sophisticated and expensive. How much have you invested in purchasing them?

Brass instruments are of different grades and rates. But generally, they cost quite a fortune.

Since the group came into existence in the year 2008, what major challenges have you encountered, and what successes have you recorded so far?

Our major challenge is in the area of funding. We have quite a lot of programmes and packages we would like to offer our musical community, but we're restrained financially. For instance, we are considering the idea of establishing a Conservatory of Music where we can train brass instrumentalists and other musicians. For our successes, the band so far has performed at several prestigious venues, including the National Arts Theartre, Iganmu, Lagos, the Le Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo; Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos; Aso Rock Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja, to mention but a few. Everyone who knows what good music is all about reckons with us.

Would you let us into your experience while growing up?

I have fond memories while growing up. My pastor-parents have been very instrumental in a great way in shaping my life and helping me become what I am today.

As the principal conductor and director of music of Digital Brass, what are your functions?

I'm the head of the band and I convene and preside at all its meetings. I'm principally responsible for the day-to-day administration of the band, and for the discipline and conduct, and the overall development of members. I'm responsible for concert selection, programme selection and rehearsals, and other matters directly related to the musical performance of the band. It is my responsibility as Principal Conductor to set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the band.

What determines the uniform your crew wears for an occasion?

The nature of the occasion determines the dress code. We have an understanding of how colours stir up different moods and feelings in a viewer. The Band wears a variety of colours of mostly military-styled uniforms and some native African costumes. Every part of the uniform is uniquely designed and put together to make the Band's performance very regal and eye-catching.

Where do you see the band in the next 10 years?

Our Brass Band is undergoing rapid advancement. A strong foundation is being established. However, our future is of the greatest significance. There is no doubt that in the next 10 years, I see the band as one of the most accomplished entertainment outfits the world has ever seen and experienced.