Recently our MD, Gavin Holden, had to make the difficult decision to step away from the Band for personal reasons. Although he only had a relatively short time with us he had a big impact on the Band and we thank him for his hard work and dedication for which we will always be extremely grateful. Our very best wishes go to Gavin and his family for the future.
As is said though “When one door closes, another opens”. And this is particularly true today as we are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Musical Director, Jamie Duncan. Jamie comes to us fresh from his recent successes with his former band, Holywell, who he led to 1st place at the Welsh Regional Championships and 2nd place at the National Championships this year. More information on Jamie’s career is available below.
We are also honoured that Simon Cowen has just accepted our invitation to join the team as our Associate Musical Director. Simon is the current Principal Trombone with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and is heavily involved in the local brass scene especially through the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band. He has played with all of the major UK orchestras and also many of the top UK brass bands. In addition, Simon has played on many film and TV soundtracks and has appeared as a member of the judging panel for the BBC’s Young Musician competition.
We are very much looking forward to working with Jamie and Simon and writing the next chapter of the Allerton Brass story.
Jamie said “I am delighted to have been appointed Allerton’s Musical Director and look forward to working with a young, talented band who matches my enthusiasm to push forward.”
Before taking up the baton, Jamie has had a successful career as a Bb Bass player. A tuba player lucky enough to have been coached by some of the finest players out there, Jamie has played for North Wales leading brass bands such as the famous Point of Ayr Colliery Band and Northop Silver Band. Jamie is a former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and has been influenced by the top class conductors, including having the privilege of sitting under Mike Fowls, Bob Childs, and Thomas Wyss, to name a few.
Jamie started conducting Rhyl Silver Band in 2019 and built up the band from six players to full strength. Jamie attended the Welsh Area in 2022 with 18 players and achieved 2nd place, gaining a qualification to the National Finals. Jamie also achieved 2nd place that same year in the Buxton Festival of Brass.
During Jamie’s latest tenure with Holywell Band, the band achieved 1st place in the National Eisteddfod 2023, 1st Place in the North Wales Rally 2023, and 1st place at the Welsh areas 2024. Jamie went on to achieve the runner-up spot in the National Finals.
Join us for Jamie’s first concert with the band on Friday 6th December in the Tung Auditorium! For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website: https://thetungauditorium.com/events/allerton-brass-jingle-all-the-way#book-tickets
