Colin Parr was Principal Clarinet with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1969 to 2003. He appeared as soloist with the orchestra on many occasions as well as playing guest principal with the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia and BBC orchestras. Colin was also actively involved with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group as well as other chamber music groups and was professor of clarinet at the Birmingham Conservatoire. 　　Colin Parr was one of the first professionals to take up the Peter Eaton International model clarinet when it first appeared in 1992, though he later moved to the large bore Elite. 　　Colin wrote at that time "The beauty of tone at all dynamics is exceptional, which gives an exciting dimension to performing; plus excellent intonation and simple, uncomplicated and extremely comfortable keywork. All that one could possibly want in a clarinet!" 　　Early in 2014 he bought a second pair of Elites and wrote "During my career as section leader in the CBSO I played several makes of clarinet but, having acquired a pair of Peter Eaton clarinets during that time, I always kept coming back to them as they were always superior. I have recently bought another pair which in my opinion are even better than the earlier examples, with many improvements. The purity of sound in all registers and the impeccable intonation are outstanding".