Read through my most recent articles:

• A year of Progress
• Review: Nottingham Symphonic Winds, Lakeside Arts Centre

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Learn about the ensembles I've had involvement in:

• Harlequin Brass Ensemble
• Leeds College of Music Wind Ensemble
• National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain
• Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra
• Phoenix Concert Band
• Yorkshire Wind Orchestra

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Phoenix Concert Band

I took over this band in 2003 just before their summer programme of outside concerts and as a consequence, I ended up conducting a performance before I really got to rehearse with them.

At times the numbers were low and there were several positions vacant in the group. I decided to try out all the methods and tactics I had developed to improve ensembles to see if they could be effective under these circumstances.

The band did not ooze ambition. In fact I felt that some players would prefer a stress free environment where a good blow would suffice to one that might require them to work and concentrate.

In music, standing still is not an option. You actually have to work to maintain standards; regardless of how modestly those standards are set.

I put the emphasis on positivism; rewarding the good things and explaining how and why they work. I did not dwell on their worst elements, as I was sure that fixing around those problems would radically improve all areas of the playing.

Players came in and brought more players. Soon we had trombones, bassoons, oboes and more clarinets. When we played concerts I encouraged them to remember the good musical moments rather than the odd mistake and as a result, mistakes were few and far between.

Now the group can play a concert with no outside players coming in to help, and the last concert, in April, I have to say was a very good one.

The band was flexible, musical, entertaining, relaxed, and largely in tune. I think that after the concert they were happy and rather proud of their improvements.

It is a real pleasure to go and conduct Phoenix on a Thursday and I am looking forward to welcoming some new horn players and a euphonium in the near future. New players are made very welcome and after the rehearsal the band runs it’s own bar at St. Chad’s in Headingley where they can relax and have a chat.

Rehearsals start at 7.30pm, or at least they should start at 7,30pm. People travel a long way; have families, baby-sitters, dogs, things soaking etc. so they have a habit of getting going a little late. Nevertheless, a Phoenix rehearsal will always be productive and enjoyable and I recommend it to local wind players in the Leeds and surrounding areas. See events for the next concert.