André Souplet

André Souplet, born Phalampin in 1934, died October 13, 2020, was a French musician, composer, conductor and director. André was, like many French musicians, originally from North France. After starting piano studies, he switched to brass, and worked under the direction of Master E. Pellemeule(Edmond), a professor at the Lille Conservatory and director of the city's Municipal Harmony. As André Souplet was attracted by the military career, he enlisted in 1953 the Algerian Spahis (cavalry). There he was very quickly noticed and he took the head of the Mounted Fanfare Band in Barna in the Aurès (Algeria). He was appointed non-commissioned officer in 1954 and he obtained the first prize at the Trumpet-Major's course at the Saumur Cavalry School. André participated in law enforcement operations with the Fanfare Band of the 9th African Light Cavalry (Régiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique) and later with the 4th African Light Cavalry until 1960. He then joined the Armoured Training Centre in Trier (Germany) for two years to set up the Fanfare Band. André performed a new tour in Algeria with the Fanfare Band of the 1st Algerian Spahis intel the End of the events. He then took over the direction of the Band if the 1st Heavy Cavalry Regiment (Régiment de Cuirassiers) in Germany for 10 years. In 1972, after a service of 20 years abroad, he was appointed Trumpet-Major of the 501th Armoured Regiment (Fanfare Du 501è Régiment De Chars De Combat) in Rambouillet intel his retirement in 1989. André Souplet has composed many works with the ambition to renew the repertoire of fanfare bands (including Batteries-Fanfares). In 1980, he founded together with other national experts the French Confederation of Batteries and Fanfares, with the goal to advance and technically help these populair musical formations. He was awarded Vice-President of the French School of Drums, Musicians and Armies, Honorary President of IMMS, WASBE and SACEM, Knight of the National Order of Merit, Arts and Letters, and holder of the Military Medal.