Musical Director

James was born in Bredbury, Stockport in July 1984. With three older brothers, all of whom were musicians it was expected that James play. Starting on Tuba James tried many different instruments before settling on baritone. His first band was the Stockport Schools Intermediate band where he played for 2 years before promotion to the Stockport Schools Senior Band. It was here that he started to the get the contest bug with numerous contest wins including the National Youth Entertainment Championships of Great Britain, and the National Youth Championships of Great Britain and even managed an appearance on Blue Peter!

While at Stockport Schools James was invited to take part in a European Youth Brass Band put together for the European Brass Band Championships held in Bergen, Norway 2003. James went out for 8 days of playing and socialising and thoroughly enjoyed it, if you ever see him ask him about "the time he went to Norway" and I'm sure he'll have no problem telling you about it!

James was asked to join the Besses Boys Band by then solo euphonium player Phil Pavey, James came to rehearsal and instantly decided to join saying

"The band was so friendly I really enjoyed it".

James enjoyed 4 years with the boys band including a tour to Germany, contest wins, solo performances at concerts and eventually being appointed Band Manager. One of James's finest moments cam at the Pontins contest 2004. It was here that to help the band James joined the percussion section and played Timps!

James joined the Besses o' th' Barn band in November 2004 and continues to play with them under new musical director Carl Whiteoak. James has completed BaHons Degree in Music and after time out in the real world is undertaking PGCE course in teaching, and hopes to be a university lecturer and private teacher when he finishes his studies.. As well as being a performer and conductor James also takes a keen interest in composition and arranging and it's one of the composers for the newly formed Crescent Music publishing. Outside of music James is an avid football fan and supports Manchester United, and Northampton on the side as his brother plays for them. James like socialising with his friends ands sports of any kind.

James was appointed Musical Director of the band in January 2005, a position he was only too happy to take. Since that time there have been some winning contest performances at the Buxton and Tameside contests, some excellent concerts and a mass of C.D. sales!

"I look forward to a long and successful era with the band, I have always had a keen interest in conducting and when I knew the position was available I jumped at the chance to take on the band. I hope that together we will be able to take this band back to the glory days where they belong"