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It only feels like a couple of weeks since I was last gearing myself up for a contest. Oh. That’ll be because it has only been a couple...

So it’s been five years since I’ve been to Butlins and it’s nice to see that, like the other wonders of the world, Butlins hasn’t changed...

Two hours is a long time. Many, many thoughts can pass through your head in two hours. There have been times when I’ve been sat on stage...

Silly season is finally over. The halls have been decked, the bells have been jingled and we can put Santaclaustrophobia away for another...

It’s the most wonderful (and busy) time of the year! Hands up, who’s sick of Christmas Festival already? Yes, it’s that time of year...

As banders, we’re used to our calendars being filled with band jobs. Contests, carolling, concerts, marches, etc- we get a lot done in a...

So, I’m the numpty, who’s spent the last few weeks playing for two bands. As well, as going to my rehearsals with Eccles. once again...

So I’ve recently celebrated my twenty-third birthday (one step closer to a zimmer frame and a free bus pass- wahoo!) and during my...

Uneventful? With me? Never. So, I wasn’t planning on writing about last weekend’s concerts as I thought it was going to be a...

Very superstitious, writing’s on the wall…. Fight or Flight (of Stairs) As I’m sure many of you are, I’m currently watching Sky Arts’...

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being asked to dep for two bands at the Blackburn and Darwen Hymn and March contest. Before I get into...

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have experienced some brilliant performance opportunities during my time in banding. From performing at the...

I had to think a little bit harder about this list as there is a wealth of test pieces that I would love to play and there are so many...

I do often find myself making a mental list of pieces I want to play. Whether I’m sat in the audience at a concert or falling down the...

When I was in my teens and I really caught the banding bug, there were quite a few aspirations I had for my future in banding. From...

One conversation that I have seen cropping up in the banding circle time and again is how our movement should adapt to modern times....

Also known as ‘Reason’s Why Liv Shouldn’t Be Allowed Out Without Supervision.’ I told you in my last ‘Embarrassing Banding Moments’...

I would just like to start off by saying I admire composers. Sitting for hours, figuring how to get the ideas out of your head onto...

Short answer: No. That’s all folks, thanks for reading! It can be unpleasant and extreme cases can be debilitating, but like most things...

Durham Miners Gala There are some days where I wake up and think ‘Why do I do this to myself?’ This was my first thought at 2:30 am on...