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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Last night was a special night in West Bridgeford. The Christmas Lights were switched on and Nottingham Symphonic Winds officially began Christmas with their popular Christmas Concert at St. Giles.

The venue was lovely but it was very cold and although heating had been switched on, it was too late for this particular evening and both players and audience were suffering.

The orchestra strived to produce a great concert and had to work hard to control the intonation under those conditions. It really shows the progress that they have made that they produced such a great sound.

They particularly shone in the arrangement of the Englebert Humperdink overture with some terrific control and musical subtleties.

I have now been with them for three years and I wished them a very happy Christmas as I won't now see them until January. Driving home through the icy conditions I reflected on just how well they have responded over the past three years. Not only are they keen players but they are very nice people.

I am conducting the Phoenix Christmas concert this evening, which I hope will be equally good!