Leeds concert season

How long have you played with Brighouse & Rastrick Band and what position do you currently hold?
I have played at Brighouse & Rastrick since 2016 and am the flugel horn player with the band.

What’s the best thing about playing in a brass band?
The best thing about playing in a brass band is the team work and connection you get with people through it. Along with concerts, competitions are a big part of brass banding. You spend a lot of time working on a piece for a competition, whether that’s at home with individual practice or at rehearsals. When it all comes together on the day of the competition, it’s a great experience.

What’s your highlight so far with Brighouse & Rastrick Band?
I think the highlight has to be being part of the band that won the British Open again. The band won it in 2022, but the last time before that was 1978. It was a very special day to be part of the band.

What was your earliest musical experience?
My earliest musical experience would have been when I was about eight, and performing in my first concert with my primary school brass band. It was a joint concert with the Stocksbridge Steels Band, who my teacher at the time conducted. I remember hearing a guy called Martin Winter play a cornet solo, and I was hooked from that moment.

Who has been your biggest influence?
There have been many influences in my musical path and I have been fortunate to play alongside so many amazing musicians. I try to learn from everyone I have the pleasure of playing alongside.

Do you enjoy practising or find it a chore?
Practise is a joy and I look forward to it every day… at least that’s what I tell my students. If I’m honest, it can be a chore at times, but you have to remember what you’re practising for. If it’s not the most enjoyable piece to play its hard work, but then you get some great pieces to play and practising is a lot of fun. I think the key is finding things you enjoy to practice, to break up the tough sessions.

Were your parents musical?
Not anymore. They both tried to learn when I started, to support me, and we all played in the same band for a bit. My mum was on trombone, and dad was on tuba. Sadly, they both stopped playing.

What piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
I don’t have a favourite band piece as we play so many different pieces. I guess, anything with a nice flugel solo is a bonus.

What’s the best and worst things about performing?
The best thing about performing is the musical connection you get to make with people. When it goes well and you can see the audience lost in the music, it’s wonderful to see. I’d have to say the worst is probably the pressure you get in certain performances. It’s very intense when you’re competing in the Albert Hall for example.

What can the audience expect from a performance by Brighouse & Rastrick Band?
An audience can expect playing of the highest level, with a nice, varied mix of music to suit everyone’s taste… and of course, The Floral Dance.