Chris studied music at Salford and Birmingham Universities from 1984 to 1988. As an undergraduate he specialised in trombone and conducting, working with many internationally renowned musicians including Ian Bousfield and Roy Newsome. Chris won the Harry Mortimer Award in 1987 being the outstanding instrumentalist of the year and as a post-graduate studied music in education, specialising in instrumental teaching.
Chris has been principal trombonist with several of Yorkshire’s finest brass bands including Grimethorpe Colliery, IMI Yorkshire Imperial Metals, Brighouse and Rastrick and is currently a member of the Hepworth Band. He has been MD of many brass bands including Nestlé Rowntree, British Steel Teeside, East Yorkshire Motor Services, Barnsley Building Society, Shepherd Building Group, Old Silkstone and York Railway Institute.
Chris enjoyed a successful ten-year period conducting the York Area Schools’ Concert Band; he is currently Course Director and MD of the North Yorkshire County Schools’ Bands, comprising Concert Band, Big Band and Brass Ensemble and has led extensive Youth Band tours across Europe for many years. Chris is also Course Director and tutor for the North Yorkshire County Schools Symphony Orchestra.
Chris became a brass teacher with the North Yorkshire County Music Service in September 1988, was Selby Music Centre Manager from 2005 to 2013 and is currently Assistant Head of Service.
