Musical Director – Mike Jackson

Mike began his Musical journey at the age of 7 with the newly formed Formby Junior Band, under the leadership and tutorage of Joan Fogg, playing both Trumpet and Cornet.  He made his Solo Debut in St. George’s Hall in Liverpool at the age of 11 with the Bishop Eton School Orchestra.

In secondary school, Mike attended SFX school in Woolton and joined the Prestigious choir, under the directorship of Keith Knowles, where he had the opportunity to tour Cathedrals through the Country and across Europe and the USA; he also had the opportunity to perform in a private audience with the late Pope John Paul II whilst at the Vatican.

During this time Mike also moved to the Euphonium and joined the Liverpool Youth Brass Band (part of the Saturday Morning Music School) on Principal Euphonium at the age of 13. With the Youth Band he toured New York and Washington, Italy and the Greek Islands. Mike also joined the Senior Band at Formby at 15 on Solo Euphonium, where they toured Belgium and Germany and gave him a taste for contesting, where he assisted the band to victory in the National Finals of Fourth Section at 18 in 2007, winning the Best Instrumentalist trophy on the way.

In 2007 Mike went to the University of Salford to study music on the Brass Band course. Graduating with a First Class Honors, Mike had the priviledge of studying under some very integral teachers such as Billy Millar, Doctor Howard Evans and Professor Peter Graham. It was during this time that Mike found a hidden love/ talent for Brass Band Arranging and his final electorship subjects consisted of Band Arranging and Solo Performance Recitals. In 2012 Mike completed his Masters Degree in Music Performance at Salford under the guidance of Gary Curtin.

In 2009 Mike joined Tyldesley Band on Solo Euphonium and after 12 months took over as Band Manager, working closely with MD Rob Taylor and helped lead the band to their most successful contesting period, winning 5 out of 7 contests in 2 years. In 2013 Mike joined Wingates Band on 2nd Euphonium, playing in the Championship Section.

In 2013, along with his Father Tony, Mike founded Allerton Brass and took on the familiar role of Band Manager and Principal Euphonium, more recently acting as Assistant MD. Mike is very excited to be taking over the baton with the Band that has become like an extended family with lots of exciting times to come, as we continue our Affiliate status at the amazing Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Centre and prepare to enter our 10th Year.