Steven Booth is an internationally renowned soloist and Besson Artist, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading exponents of the Baritone. He holds a BA (Hons) from Salford University in the UK. He has performed as Principal Baritone and soloist with many of the world’s top brass bands, including: Black Dyke, Leyland (formerly BNFL and JJB), Yorkshire Building Society (YBS / Hammonds), Faireys, Fodens, Kennedys Swinton, Yorkshire Imps, Grimethorpe Colliery, Wingates, and many others, as well as touring with the Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain.
Steven has toured extensively, appearing as a soloist in many countries all over the world. Over the years he has experienced many unique opportunities. One of the highlights was, in 2015 performing with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra where he was the first ever Baritone horn to feature as a soloist with a full professional orchestra. Another highlight was in 1996 in Canada, he was the first British civilian soloist to appear at the Nova Scotia International Military Tattoo, which played to live audiences of over 60 000, as well as on Canadian TV.
Other highlights include winning the European, British Open and National Championships with various bands over the years. Steven is 12 times New Zealand National Baritone Champion (a record) and has also won the Australian title on a couple of occasions when he has been able to make the trip across the Tasman. A respected brass band conductor and musical director, Steven Booth has worked with many brass bands at all levels, and in many countries.
On his move to New Zealand in 2006, he took up the role of musical director of the A Grade Waitakere Auckland Band and is currently Director of Music of The Band of The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and Warrant Officer 1st Class. Steven is passionate about raising the profile and awareness of the Baritone and was one of the first players to really demonstrate and promote it as a solo instrument. Steven publishes his own music, including works for Brass Band, ensemble, duets, quartets, concert band and Solos with Band or Piano Accompaniment, which are performed around the world. He was the first composer/arranger to write a series of music especially for the Baritone, producing a sheet music solo album in 1993. He has been a Presenter/Tutor at the Accrington Brass Band Degree course run by Richard Evans, and at various low brass events including several T.U.B.A conferences and the Royal Northern College of Music. Steven is an active soloist, performer, composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher, as well as being a member of the 2020/1 National Band of New Zealand – the banding equivalent of the All Blacks.
