This page was last updated on: 22/8/2011

PERSONAL PROFILES OF FISHBURN BAND'S HORN SECTION ARE REGULARLY UPDATED.....CLICK ON THE PHOTO'S TO SEND THEM AN E-MAIL OR E-MAIL THEM VIA THE BAND'S E-MAIL LINK

Flugel Horn                                                                                                           Patrick Garner

Patrick first played a brass instrument at the age of ten when his Dad took him along to Aycliffe Brass.  He was given a tenor horn, but even then he says that he knew it was a girl's instrument and swapped it for a cornet the following week!  After playing for Aycliffe for a few years he joined the Spennymoor Youth and Senior bands where he eventually became Principal Cornet for both by the age of eighteen.  During this time Patrick was also lucky enough to win a number of solo competitions around the area.

At the beginning of 1995 he was asked to come along to Fishburn's rehearsal by his cornet tutor (Andy Rolfe) who was a member of the band and the rest is history.

In 1997 Patrick went to study biochemistry at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.  While there he gained a bursary to play Principal Trumpet with the university wind band and symphony orchestra.  On leaving University Patrick returned to his beloved North East and made a welcome, permanent return to Fishburn Band.

Patrick moved onto Flugel Horn from Fishburn's front row cornet bench in June 2003 and had a baptism of fire as he just managed to get his lip in in readiness for the weekend recording of our second CD and is featured on many of the tracks.

Patrick recently took on a 3-month visit to Africa as part of his work with the NHS and returned for Xmas 2006 and since his return has played in the Cornet section moving on to Repiano Cornet.

Flugel Horn                                                                                                              Keith Irving

Keith joined the Band in May 2009.  Keith previously played for Broughtons Band and is a former member of the National Youth Band.

Solo Horn                                                                                                Michael Franey

We are delighted that Michael has joined the Band following his return to the North East in the summer of 2009.  Michael is one of the new stars in banding and has an excellent future assured. Michael recently completed his BMUS Music Degree in Wales, where he played with the famous Cory Band.

Michael formerly played for Spennymoor Town band prior to leaving for University,

We look forward to a long and successful future for both Michael and the Band.

First Horn                                                                                                            David Patterson

David joined the Band mid 2010 and has settled in quickly.  David is an excellent player and is a welcome acquisition to the Horn Section.

His profile will appear here shortly.

Second Horn                                                                                                                      Keith Todd

Keith returned to the Band just prior to Xmas 2010 having formerly played for the Band up until 2003 and we are delighted for him to return.

Whilst he was 'away', Keith has been busy playing with Peterlee Band and fullfilling his grandfather duties.

Second Horn                                                                                                                      John Youll

John (aka Cool Youll) is one of the longest serving members of Fishburn Band, having joined in 1975.  He began playing at the age of 12 at Wheatley Hill School being taught by the legendary Gordon Kitto, and his first senior Band was Thornley Colliery in 1972.  Originally playing Cornet in his formative years with the Band, John moved back onto Cornet late 2005 having spent a few years on Tenor Horn, subsequently deciding his best position is actually back in the Horn section. 

John names his playing influences as Jim Shepherd and Alan Morrison. 

A dedicated family man with 2 sons David and Barry and now a Grandfather with baby sitting duties, he is also a Sunderland supporter in addition to his excellent attendance at rehearsals - so his time management skills are exceptional.  Johns best banding memory is playing Checkmate at the Mineworkers contest in Blackpool Winter Gardens with Roger Payne and his favourite brass band piece of music is Festival Overture.  So as his favourite artistes are metal kings 'Led Zeplin' and 'Deep Purple' John shows a diverse musical range. 

John is the resident 'cultural attache' of Fishburn Band with many colourful, descriptive points of view being offered during rehearsals!! It is John's stated ambition to 'hit a top note' while playing his part in Fishburn Band's attempts to become one of the top class Bands over the next decade.

This site is maintained by John and Audrey Gill

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