About Us

Andrew started playing the cornet aged six, and soon after joined Prescot Band, becoming principal cornet at the age of 14. He has since had great success in a principal position with top class bands such as Besses o’ th’ Barn, Leyland DAF, Flixton and Wingates band, which is a position he still holds. Andrew has completed many tours abroad and in 2006 was guest soloist and course tutor for "Jugend Brass Band Forum Ostschweiz" in Switzerland. He has performed as a soloist on many CD’s as well as recordings for BBC, TV and radio. Andrew currently works for Salford Music And Performing Arts Service as a full time instrumental teacher of brass and percussion. In 2009 he gained his Masters degree in music (performance) with distinction, from Salford university. Andrew lives in Birchwood, Warrington, with his wife Sue, a cockatiel and two budgies.

Alan studied music for 2 years at the Guards School of Music at Pirbright followed by a year with the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards in London, performing ceremonial and concert duties. Since then Alan has been a semi-professional player notably as principle trumpet and founder member of the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and currently principal trumpet with the North Staffs Orchestra. In addition to orchestral, concerto and brass group playing, Alan is also a keen ‘Jazz Man’ being currently lead trumpet with the VCO Big Band with a wealth of experience as a bandleader himself. Alan has more recently been studying with Tracy Redfern and in 2003 passed his Dip ABRSM in Trumpet Performance with distinction. By day Alan is a self employed Procurement Specialist.

Rob studied music at Edinburgh University and the RSAMD in Glasgow, free-lancing with such notable ensembles as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Scottish Opera. After a brief but successful career in Pub and Restaurant Management, he decided to return to his musical roots and is currently studying for a PGCE in secondary music teaching at Liverpool Hope University. Amongst Rob's other interests are spending time with his young son and an unhealthy and expensive obsession for classic cars!

Austin studied music at the University of Surrey. He was taught under Christopher Mowat, then principal trombonist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Austin has performed with many varied ensembles including orchestras, dance bands, small groups and trombone quartets, as well as performing many solo concerts. He is a prolific arranger and teaches music at a local high school. Austin enjoys spending time with his young family and pretending to be a kid again!

Malcolm was born in London and completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Manchester, under tutorage from Nick Childs, Andy Duncan, Professor David King and Dr. Peter Graham.

Following a time teaching back in his native South Malcolm moved back to the North West in 2004. Since then he has worked in Cheshire as a brass and classroom teacher, and is the brass tutor for the Cheshire Youth Orchestra. He has a love of chamber music and also plays for Wingates Brass Band and a number of local orchestras. Malcolm is also a collector of vintage brass instruments and mouthpieces, and has trained in brass repair with Derek Farnell.

Malcolm has a very broad taste in music, and appreciates good quality musical performances in all styles. He particularly enjoys Early Music, the works of J.S. Bach, late Romantic orchestral pieces, and modern Big Bands.