John North - Resident MD

John recently led the band to the NW Areas in 2025 and managed to achieve a 4th place finish. John, well known in the North West for his work with Old Hall Brass Band, taking them from 3rd section to First in the North West area.

 

John has been heavily involved in music from an early age as a Euphonium player. His first major position was with the Avon Schools Symphonic Wind Band where he was the youngest section leader - leading the Euphoniums and Baritones at just age 12. John has also been part of several amateur orchestras such as Blackburn Symphony where he performed the Horovitz Euphonium Concerto.

 

In his brass banding playing days John played Solo Euphonium for Longridge Band and Blackburn and Darwen, where he was also bandmaster, and often took Blackburn & Darwen rehearsals if the resident MD was unavailable getting valuable experience. This was just the start of John's conducting story, John had the oppportunity to learn under conductors such as Mark Heron with the North Cheshire Concert Band, of which he was a member often performing solos, and the illustrious late Richard Evans during the time he was conducting the famous Fodens Band.

 

In his year away from regular banding John has helped conduct Harrogate, Freckleton, Blackpool and Darwen Brass but also challenged himself to play in seats he wouldn't normally to try and understand how a band truly works. His performance at Whychavon Entertainments contest with Freckleton on Percussion is described as "the most stressful gig ever!". Safe to say he won't be doing that again any time soon.

 

Outside of conducting and playing (which involes sitting in every seat in the band from Percussion to Sop) John owns the Music Cellar in Preston and stands as one of the most important brass retailers in the UK where they not only sell music but carry out instrument repairs/servicing. With strong links to brands such Besson, Yamaha and Vincent Bach John is hoping these relationships can help Blackpool Brass move forward on their journey.

 

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