How long have you played with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band?
I’ve played for Carlton Main for a total of four and a bit years! I spent three years as Assistant Principal Cornet back in 2017-2020, before playing for the Fairey Band and Grimethorpe Colliery. In December 2021 I returned to the band on Principal Cornet and have loved every moment.

What’s the best thing about playing in a brass band?
My favourite aspect of playing in bands is the sense of camaraderie and team-spirit that you just don’t find as strong or as prominent in any other musical setting.

What’s your highlight so far with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band?
I can’t pick one so I’ll choose two instead! Number 1 has to be performing at the British Open on Principal Cornet in September 2022. Number 2 has to be playing with the band at the 2017 World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Holland.

How did you get involved with playing a brass instrument?
I started playing at around 4-5 years of age, the story my parents tell me is that I picked up a trumpet at a friend’s house and here we are years later!

What was your earliest musical experience?
My earliest memory of playing is probably my Grade 1 ABRSM exam on trumpet! I remember how terrified I was before I walked in!

Who has been your biggest influence?
My mum has definitely been the biggest influence on my music, she always instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to go on and achieve my dream!

Do you enjoy practising or find it a chore?
I enjoy practicing, strangely! I am a bit weird and I find something enjoyable and satisfying out of practicing and being methodical with a routine!

Were your parents musical?
My mum was musical, she played clarinet and saxophone to a very high level. Dad isn’t musical at all and we often joked that instead of playing an instrument, he played the fool!

What piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
Again, I can’t just pick one so two will have to do! Firstly I would say Elgar’s Nimrod. I just find this such a moving piece to play. Secondly would be Jerusalem by Hubert Parry. This, like Nimrod, is so moving and patriotic and always brings a tear to my eye!

What’s the best and worst things about performing?
The best thing has to be the feeling of performing and making music for people to enjoy and listen to, the worst thing is probably the nerves before a big contest!

What can the audience expect from a performance by Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band?
The audience can expect a bit of everything! There will always be something for everyone. We always perform to a high standard and we always perform so many styles and genres of music so that our concert is accessible to as many people as possible.