Steve Banks:  After completing his Master's degree at the London School of Economics Steve found the life of a high-powered consultant didn't suit him at all. So he became a high-powered classical violinist, playing with ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and the Kreisler Ensemble.

That too was not his cup of tea and instead, a life-long passion for rhythm led to him taking up the djembe. His drumming, fiddling and enthusiasm for bad puns made him a ripe candidate for the Carnival Band - at long last he had found an outfit which is sufficiently low-powered to make him feel at home (In a truly Carnivalesque inversion of society's norms, Steve's dazzling virtuosity and songwriting talents now flourish at street level!).

Steve has worked for many years with Bamboozle Theatre Company working with students with special needs. Like Steno, he plays in the celebrated celtic folk-rock group Chanter. If you're into great ballads and rollicking reels, why not visit the Chanter website.

In spring 2010 Steve formed a new acoustic-folk band of South Devon musicians, Blue Jewel, and recorded an album, Dart Songs, which is a musical journey along the beautiful Dart estuary where he lives.

Steve teaches violin and beginners piano in South Devon, and is once again playing classical concerts, now with the Ten Tors Orchestra. (Try as we might, we cannot escape the recapitulation in the great sonata of life - but at least be grateful it's not a Da Capo!).

Steve uses the Headway "Band" pickup and EDB-1 pre-amp for top quality amplification of his violin in gigs (www.headwaymusicaudio.com).