I started playing the tuba aged 11 at the Ruskin High School in Crewe under
the tuition of some great teachers - Chris Barnes and Phil Mottershead
(Headteacher). In 1999 whilst in my last year of school, I performed a solo
item in a local church community concert where little did I know I would
come away from that performance being offered a considerable donation to
put
it towards buying my own Tuba.

It was in 2000 (with new Tuba in hand) that I joined the Lions Youth Band,
where I spent a good 5years, making new friends, touring the UK, and also
being involved in 2 recordings. I was one of the bands many soloists and a
highlight was performing to around 2000 in the Czech Republic.

The same year, I also joined the Roberts Bakery Band where I was soon put
on
the principle bass chair. I spent 8 good years with the band helping them
to
get back up into the Championship section in 2008 and also competing with
them at the National Finals in 2008. I have been involved with 6 recordings
with the band and numerous tours to Germany. I also spent 2years with the
band as the Band Manager.

In 2008 I joined the Cheshire Police Band and have already had some
memorable times. Coming 2nd at the Regional contest in March 2009 and
playing at the national finals in September 2009 have been some good
highlights.

My best moment of banding has been meeting my wife Helen through Lions
Youth. We got married in 2008 where we had the Roberts Bakery Band playing
at our wedding, plus Dave and several others of the Police Band playing at
our reception. I can quite safely say banding has taken over my life!!!