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.

Originally from Leeds, Rob started his early playing career as a member of the National Youth Orchestra. He then continued his musical studies at the University of Edinburgh and pursued his Masters degree in performance at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, under the guidance of Robert Cook (Principal Horn, Scottish Chamber Orchestra). Whilst at the RSAMD, Rob played professionally with such notable ensembles as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera and Opera North. After a successful career in Pub and Restaurant Management, he decided to return to higher education and gained his PGCE in secondary music at Liverpool Hope University in 2010. Rob is now working as the Chester Manager for MadScience UK, a company specialising in interactive science shows for primary pupils. He also offers professional private French horn tuition throughout the North West. Rob currently lives in North Wales with his wife and young son.

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!