Well it’s been some months since I last completed a blog entry for the website and it has been quite a busy time one way and another. Possibly the biggest change in terms of my trombone playing is my decision to leave Douglas Town Band after over eleven years. The fact that we had a month off during the summer gave me the opportunity to think this over. Some of you reading this will be all too aware of the politics that all too often go hand in hand with playing in a brass band. Well I decided that I needed to take a break from this, at least for the moment as since I undertook the Albrechtsberger Alto Trombone Concerto with the IOMSO last summer I have felt I need to devote more of my time to individual practice to build on this type of venture as I hope to pursue more solo work in the future. More about this later.

The start of September saw the departure of Helen Quaggin-Molloy from Sheean Prash due to her and her family relocating to New Zealand. This was a sad occasion for the quintet as Helen has been active in pursuing performance opportunities for the quintet. I wish Helen, Keith and Aran the best of luck in New Zealand. The quintet is on the look out for a new trumpeter. Anyone wanting to find out more check out the Sheean Prash website. 

The island hosted its first ever Trombone Festival at the start of November and I’ve written a review of the weekend’s events, which you can view by clicking here.

Well, after a couple of chance conversations with Jennifer Cook and John Kinley I found myself helping out Rushen Silver Band during November and enjoyed the experience so much that at the start of December I was asked to join the band on a full-time basis. I am very much looking forward to playing with the band for a number of reasons. Firstly the band has some very talented players within its ranks and has a very dedicated and meticulous musical director in John Kinley. Secondly, I am looking forward to hopefully working with their existing trombone section on some trios and quartets. And possibly best of all whilst Rushen work very hard in rehearsal and there is a definite sense of development to the band they only rehearse once a week which will give me time to pursue other activities (both musical and non musical!)

Courtesy of my parents last Christmas I am now the proud owner of Blue PBone, which I have to say, has proved an invaluable instrument for practicing at home and whilst carolling during December. For those considering a PBone I would highly recommend them as a extremely good purchase for any young players interested in taking up the trombone or more advanced players looking for a fun addition to their arsenal of instruments!