Behind the music with Yorkshire Imperial Band's Alan Fowler
Having joined the Yorkshire Imperial Band as Principal Cornet in 1994, Alan Fowler has spent more than three decades witnessing memorable performances, major competition successes, and the continued evolution of one of Yorkshire's most respected brass bands.
Alan's musical journey began at a primary school in Morley, where every pupil was encouraged to play an instrument. When the school purchased two brand-new trumpets, the lucky recipients were chosen by having their names drawn from a hat.
"I was one of the two lucky ones," he recalls, a chance moment that ultimately led to a lifelong involvement in music and brass banding.
What makes Yorkshire Imperial Band special? For Alan, it's a combination of factors that have helped sustain the band's success over many decades.
The band's desire to perform at the highest level is a key part of its identity, alongside the strong camaraderie between members, a collective determination to build on the band’s rich 90-year history, and the excellent direction provided by its Musical Director, Ian McElligott.
After 32 years with the band, choosing a single highlight is no easy task. Among Alan's many memorable moments are winning Brass in Concert in 1995 and being crowned National First Section Champions in 2005. He also fondly recalls performing at a Prince's Trust Concert at the Royal Albert Hall alongside an extraordinary line-up including Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance, Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow, Stephen Fry and Cannon and Ball.
Other standout experiences include performing at the Kerkrade World Music Festival under Richard Evans, taking part in the Rugby League World Cup, including the final where the band shared the pitch with Diana Ross and Status Quo, and appearing at Countryfile Live, where he was interviewed on stage and enjoyed interacting with the crowd. A competition trip to Denmark also remains a favourite memory, with the band returning home victorious after winning a Danish contest.
If given the opportunity to perform with any musician, living or dead, Alan's choice would be legendary trumpet player Maynard Ferguson. He admires Ferguson's remarkable technique, high note specialisation, and the exceptional quality and showmanship he brought to every performance.
For Alan, one of the greatest pleasures of performing live is the satisfaction that comes from a positive audience reaction after a successful concert. Equally rewarding is the process that comes beforehand. Working hard to master more challenging repertoire and then performing it well in front of an audience provides a real sense of achievement.
One programme highlight Alan is particularly excited about is Mamma Mia! A Symphonic Portrait, arranged by the band's own Musical Director, Ian McElligott.
Having performed many arrangements based on the music of ABBA over the years, he considers this to be the finest. "It's such a clever arrangement," he says. "Every time we play it, I hear something new in the music."
Looking back, Alan's advice to his younger self is simple: put the work in early when tackling difficult music but never lose sight of the enjoyment that comes from performing. Whether it's a contest or a concert, preparation is important, but so too is enjoying the moment when you step onto the stage.
Alan hopes audiences will take away an appreciation of what he considers to be an excellently balanced musical programme, performed by a band that is continuing to move from strength to strength.
"We have a fantastic man in the middle," he says, reflecting on the band's current direction and ambitions.
For anyone attending their first brass band concert, Alan believes the experience speaks for itself. "The sound of a full brass band is like no other musical group," he says. "I hope people can appreciate the sound and quality of this type of ensemble as much as we do."
With a blend of musical excellence, rich tradition and genuine passion for performance, Yorkshire Imperial Band promises to give audiences exactly that experience.
Alan Fowler performs with the Yorkshire Imperial Band at Pudsey Civic Hall on Saturday 17 October.