"I had the pleasure of knowing Pete for a little over five years, the majority of that time was of course as his teacher at the Royal College of Music. Whilst Pete was there I started the first Drumline that the RCM had ever had, initiated by a visit from drummer Jim Kilpatrick - even back then he was an 18-times world champion. The drumline became known as Redhocks and Pete soon became the most interested and enthusiastic student in this style of snare playing and began to both write pieces for it and lead rehearsals with the occasional interjection of new ideas from other eminent performers. It is no surprise that on leaving college he helped to create Box 9 and developed his ideas on a commercial basis. Pete was always great fun to have around, a lovely man who is sadly missed from the music scene."

David Hockings

"I had the great pleasure of knowing Pete during his time as an RCM student, and supporting his career development. The mission of this charity mirrors the way Pete lived his life - immersed in music-making, passionate about sharing that music with others, and driven to guide and inspire all he met. It is therefore a great privilege to become an Artistic Supporter of this charity, and to honour Pete's life with such purpose."

Diana Roberts

“I am honoured and so inspired to be an Artistic Supporter of the Pete Handley Percussion Award. I feel very lucky to have taught Pete in the percussion department at the Royal College of Music for a number of years, where I was always impressed with his talent, spark for living life to the full and his energy and commitment to all things percussion. Pete used to help me as a roadie on a few of my out-there modern classical gigs and I had the incredible pleasure of touring parts of the UK with him, chatting for hours while we drove studio to gig and back again. I miss him and his wonderful kindness - long may he live in the inspiration of the next generation of percussionists."

Genevieve Wilkins

"Pete was the founding member of our group, and so his charity holds a very special place in our hearts. The PHPA provides fantastic support to young percussionists and it's so wonderful to see Pete's passion for music live on."

Box 9 Drumline

"As a musician, colleague and friend, Pete was always ready to offer help and advise in every possible way. It is therefore most natural that his name should be used as a continued source of inspiration and support for future generations of percussionists, as it will always be for those of us lucky enough to have known him. "

Joe Richards

Pete was an incredibly special musician. His deep talent and dedication to his craft was recognised by all who worked with him, alongside his generosity, positivity and brilliant sense of humour. He was a passionate advocate for collaborative music making and was always keen to share ideas and try something new. From Xenakis to Justin Timberlake(!), he appreciated all kinds of music and brought his infectious enthusiasm and remarkable musicianship to every rehearsal, workshop and performance. He was also an active supporter of the new music community, often collaborating with composers to commission and perform new works. I had the privilege of writing various pieces for Pete and I will always be so grateful for his encouragement and vision. In particular, I will never forget him diligently marking in the many(!) ‘R’ ‘L’ directions needed in my drumline scores, and our shared excitement when Box 9 subsequently performed them for the first time at the NFL fan rallies on Regent Street, London.

Pete - you are so missed, but you continue to inspire us all. We hope this charity will honour you and your legacy by encouraging many more to ‘make a noise!’.

Charlotte Harding

We were privileged enough to know Pete as both a musician and a friend, and in both capacities he was generous, caring, reliable and completely unique. This charity, and his legacy, continue to spread the joy, kindness and inspiration that he radiated as the individual we were so honoured to have met.

Emily and Ian Longmore

Pete was a sensitive performer whose technique and intuition made him a fascinating musician to work with. He understood the challenges of devising theatre work, and his easy, practical manner helped facilitate rehearsals, whilst on stage he was a dynamic presence.

Laila Woozeer

It is a my privilege to support the Pete Handley Percussion Award. Pete was a dear friend who has inspired so many of us since his passing, especially with the creation of several youth drumlines. The PHPA is a fantastic way to ensure Pete continues to inspire the next generation of young percussionists.

Rebecca McCrystal

My memories of Pete begin in 2005 at a SW Surrey Concert Band rehearsal. Pete was on kit and he was nailing it! It was clear that Pete loved performing and was very keen to learn. So we started what was to be, for me, a truly rewarding relationship: weekly lessons on orchestral percussion and a plan to prepare Pete for conservatoire auditions. Pete joined other Surrey Arts ensembles where he soaked up the repertoire . During a gap year he worked part time for Surrey Arts where colleagues loved him for his mature approach, and pupils warmed to his enthusiasm. His innovative streak began to emerge when he organised his own percussion ensemble concert with friends! I was so proud to follow his progress at the RCM, a phenomenal final recital, and the founding of BOX9 drumline.(Drumline is now an integral part of Surrey County Percussion Ensemble!)

His legacy lives on!

Jackie Kendle

Musical Tributes from Pete's Friends and Pupils