Billy Baker

Billy Baker

View Billy's Biography in a downloadable format by clicking the PDF logo on the left.

View Billy's CV in a downloadable format by clicking the PDF logo on the left.

CRB and Public Liability Insurance documents can be viewed on request.

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A bit about me...

Biography

Billy was born in Cheshire but grew up in a small village in rural Dorset. With nothing much else to do he took to the drums at an early age learning how to read and play with other musicans in and out of school. In 1999 Billy won Dorset’s Young Drummer of the Year competition in Wimborne playing a Grade 4 piece called Corners.

In 2000 he performed in front of over 5000 people with the Dorset Youth Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Dorset’s Millenium celebrations.

Later on in his school years he spent some time on work experience at a Dorset army base with the Royal Corps of Signals jazz and concert bands. This experience saw him perform with the Signals marching band at Cardiff castle to celebrate Prince Phillip’s 70th birthday. He was also Head Drummer of the award winning Purbeck School’s jazz and concert bands and performed at the finals of the National school bands competition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Following his A levels Billy moved to Guildford to study his music degree at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) where he formed indie pop band ‘the Coronation’ who were promptly signed to Worst Case Scenario Records. This led to a successful year living and gigging in Liverpool and saw them release ‘Heartbleeder’ on 7” vinyl/digital download which received Radio One airplay.

After the breakup of the Coronation Billy moved back to Guildford and joined rock band 51/50s. They signed a one album deal with slicethepie.com in 2007 and have recieved radio airplay with their singles ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Lies’. For their album 51/50s decided to work with Matt Hyde (Fightstar, Ash, Funeral For a Friend) in well renowned Miloco Studios in London. Billy recorded drums, backing vocals and percussion on the album ‘Dangerous State of Mind’, released 29th June 2009.

Billy has taught drums since studying his GCSEs and holds teaching posts in Guildford, Reading and Bournemouth. He also regularly plays for theatre shows and sessions for covers bands and radio/television.

CV

Background
• Billy was born in Cheshire but grew up in Dorset learning his instrument through Dorset county youth orchestras. He also held the position of Head Percussionist in the award winning Purbeck School jazz and concert bands.
• Professional work has seen him tour the UK and Europe.

Education and Qualifications:
2000 – 2004 Purbeck School, Wareham, Dorset 10 GCSEs, grades A-B, 3 A levels, grades A-B
2004 – 2005 The Academy of Contemporary Music BTEC National Certificate in Music Performance BA (Hons) Degree in Music Performance
Other Qualifications/Awards: A Level Grade 8 Drum Kit, Grade 5 Music Theory, Dorset Young Drummer of the Year 1999.

Previous Work & Experience
Theatre: Various musicals and shows in the North West, Dorset and Surrey; including music from: Carousel, Chicago, Calamity Jane, HMS Pinafore, Les Miserables, Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, Hot Mikado, Moby Dick, the Lion King, Grease, music from James Bond, Phantom of the Opera, Riverdance, Cats & Miss Saigon.
Tuition: Teaching bases held in Bournemouth, Guildford & Reading
TV Work: Sony Walkman, ‘Music in Pieces’ advert for commercial television.
Bands: Musical works published with artists; The Coronation, The Skies and 51/50s. Sessions recorded for radio including Kerrang! Radio Birmingham. 51/50s album ‘Dangerous State of Mind’ released 29th June ‘09. Various session gigs.

Equipment
• Pearl drums
• Sabian & Zildjian cymbals
• Roland V electronic drumkit
• Alesis electronic drum pads
• Various hand held percussion

Other info
Place of Birth: Crewe
Licence/travel: Full driving licence & own transport
2nd Instruments: Vocals, keyboard, acoustic guitar.
CRB checked and public liability insurance held.