How old were you when you first became interested in music?
I was 10 years old when I first became interested on music and it was only because I had friends playing instruments in Primary School so I wanted to join in. But if you told me at age 10 what I would’ve achieved and what I would be doing in music 15 years later I would’ve never believed you.
Who have been your role models and why?
There are so many to list! A big point to make without listing everyone is that all of the Army musicians I grew up around are the big reason I joined up and I’m having the time of my life being in British Army Band Tidworth.
More recently the great brass musicians of the world that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, learn from and spend time with include Gordon Higginbottom, Robert Childs and Glyn Williams. Perhaps most inspiring even more so than individuals is playing for some of the finest brass bands in the whole entire world.
Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?
Having played in brass bands and heard some amazing euphonium players I just loved the sound the instrument produces especially when played well and I always wanted to be able to recreate that sound myself because it is what makes us most recognisable and unique because everyone makes a different sound regardless of instrument choice.
How would you describe your achievements and successes?
I never thought I would have achieved what I have done, I won multiple awards for my solo playing throughout studying for my Performance degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. It was a big enough achievement to study there let alone win awards for my playing whilst I was there. This was followed by perhaps the biggest achievement whilst studying there which was graduating with 1st Class Honours but also with the highest overall mark for my year group.
During my time in the Army I’ve also got to travel and play my euphonium all over the world which is fantastic in itself but without a doubt the biggest achievement for me personally is without a doubt playing for the world’s number one brass band Cory.
How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?
Without brass banding I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t have achieved the things listed above, I certainly wouldn’t have the friendships in all corners of the UK and I also probably wouldn’t have ended up with a fantastic career in the Army where I get to play in Brass Band all day!
What is your ultimate musical ambition?
This is always changing because I’m very fortunate to have been able to do some amazing things and played on the biggest stages. But I’d love one day to win the Best Euphonium prize at the British Open Brass Band Contest.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument/singing?
Well fortunately my whole life revolves around brass banding whether in work or for civilian brass bands, so if I’m not playing, I’m probably driving somewhere to go and play my euphonium! Outside of that though of which free time is limited I spend as much time as possible playing football and I’m the goalkeeper for the Royal Corps of Army Music football team, and when I’m not doing that, I’m spending as much precious time as possible with my beautiful girlfriend who thankfully is also a brass bander.
What was the first CD/MP3 that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?
The first two brass band CD’s I ever heard were courtesy of my mum and I still have them with me to this very day. They are a Grimethorpe Colliery Band “At The Movies” CD which is absolutely fantastic and the other is a Black Dyke Mills Band “Best of Brass” CD where I first heard a wonderful euphonium player called John Clough.
