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We caught up with Alan Morrison, soprano cornet player of Hammonds Band, ahead of the band’s performance at Morley Town Hall on Saturday 30 September as part of Leeds Best of Brass 2023/24.

How long have you played with Hammonds Band and what position do you currently hold?
I have played soprano cornet with Hammonds since December 2021.

What’s the best thing about playing in a brass band?
The fellowship and friendship of a closely bonded team all striving for the same goals and levels of expertise.

What’s your highlight so far with Hammonds Band?
The French Open trip was very eventful and memorable in more ways than one, not least becoming French Open Champions.

How did you get involved with playing a brass instrument?
My father was a semi-pro trumpet player and taught me how to play, firstly on trumpet and then cornet.

What was your earliest musical experience?
At eight years old I played in the Ryedale Music Festival Brass Solo Competition and won, but had to settle for second place because the adjudicator made a mistake in reading the results.

Who has been your biggest influence?
After my father, Harry James was my favourite trumpet player, and James Shepherd was my idol as a cornet player. I used to listen intently to both and try to play along with them.

Do you enjoy practising or find it a chore?
When I was young I couldn’t put it down. As a pro musician it became necessary work, but now I just play for enjoyment, so if I don’t fancy it, I don’t do it.

Were your parents musical?
You know about my father, my mother was totally non-musical but developed a very keen ear and knew what was good and not so good.

What piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
The test-piece we are working on at the time? It becomes all consuming, until the next one!

What are the best and worst things about performing?
The buzz of performing live in concert and on a contest stage. Brass bands are unique in their quest for absolute perfection in a contest performance and the challenge is often exciting but sometimes frustrating.

What can audiences expect from a performance by Hammonds Band?
Something different played to a high standard. Our repertoire explores pieces of music not normally played by other bands, some which have been discarded in the past, forgotten about, or lost. Many of these pieces are absolute gems and deserve to be heard again and played well.