Biography

Michael began playing cornet at the age of 7 with Llanrug Band in North Wales. At the age of 10 the family relocated to Rochdale and Michael joined Rochdale Band (later to become known as Rochdale Wilsons Band).

  During this time Michael was
  tutored by the renowned cornet
  player Norman Ashcroft
  (Fairey Band).

  He stayed with the band for
  eighteen years during which
  time he progressed to principal
  cornet.

In 1988 Michael was invited to join the Brighouse and Rastrick Band and played a part in what could arguably have been their most successful period, winning several titles including 2 National titles, 3 All England Masters, 1 European title and 7 Yorkshire Area titles.

Whilst at Brighouse Michael’s versatility
to adapt was called upon on several
occasions. Throughout the thirteen years
he was at Brighouse he held the positions
of solo baritone, solo horn, flugel and
very briefly (4 months), Principal cornet.

After a short break due to work commitments Michael played with local bands Whitworth Vale and Healey and United Norwest Co-op Milnrow.

  In May 2004 he joined Wingates
  playing solo EEb bass until
  February 2005 at which point he
  was invited to join the YBS Band
  directed by Prof. David King (on
  Horn).
  In August of 2005 Michael toured
  Australia with the YBS Band,
  with the final concert performed at
  the Sydney Opera House.