How long have you played with Foden’s Band?
I joined Foden’s in January 1996, as such 2023 is my 28th year in the band.

What’s the best thing about playing in a brass band?
Rehearsing, performing and socialising with others who enjoy the musical challenges that playing in a band such as Foden’s provides.

What’s your highlight so far with Foden’s Band?
On the contest stage winning the double in 2012 (British Open and National Champions), however as a concert performance, being directed by Bram Tovey in a performance of his Requiem for a Charred Skull at the RNCM Festival of Brass will sit long on the memory. Lastly, performing Andy Scott’s Molecular Cocktail Party a concerto for improvising musician at the RNCM was possibly the most challenging musical experience I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with.

How did you get involved with playing a brass instrument?
I started playing the baritone when at primary school, then switched to trombone when I was twelve, ironically as I would only be able to play in a brass band if I stuck on baritone..!

What was your earliest musical experience?
Learning piano aged six with the teacher from the local Sunday school. Seemingly I was a little too disruptive for the Sunday school so piano lessons with the teacher were arranged as an alternative – sort of God by proxy. The do God part didn’t really take off but fortunately the piano part resonated a little more.

Who has been your biggest influence?
Musically at first my sister, who is a year older than me, played the trumpet (really well!) and inspired me to learn a brass instrument. Latterly many of the wonderful musicians we’ve been fortunate to either have in our ranks at Foden’s or who we’ve had the pleasure of accompanying on stage.

Do you enjoy practising or find it a chore?
I’ve never been great at practicing sadly! Whilst a student at the RNCM, I was told to make sure that every time you play, be sure you do it properly and that way you’re reinforcing good technique. I’ve been fortunate for the past 27 years to be part of a band who rehearse and perform regularly and in all honesty, that constitutes the majority of my practice.

Were your parents musical?
Not formally, however Dad played guitar and he and Mum met whilst singing in a pub in Weymouth so there’s something in the genes somewhere!

What piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
That’s tough to answer as over the years Foden’s have played so much repertoire- I think the piece I most enjoyed performing was Albion at the National Finals in 2001 with Bram Tovey. It’s such a powerful and descriptive juggernaut of a piece and on the day, whilst Foden’s didn’t win (we came second to Black Dyke) the performance was incredible to be part of.

What’s the best and worst things about performing?
Best thing – knowing that you’ve connected with the audience, that hopefully you’ve made an impression and given them a positive experience, that they’ve enjoyed at least some part of your performance.
Worst? On occasion being a long way from home late at night before an early morning the next day…!

What can the audience expect from a performance by Foden’s Band?
A high quality, varied and enjoyable programme, delivered with technical assurance – and lots of fun.