This page was last updated on: 20/11/2009

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                                                                                                              Keith Irving

Keith joined the Band in May 2009 and has proven to be an excellent acquisition settling in very quickly.

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                                                                                                          Martin Armstrong

Martin needs no introduction to the banding world. Martin, who previously played with Fishburn during 1998 to 2000 is one of the stars of the Brass Band world having played Solo Horn for a host of top Bands including Black Dyke, Fodens, Battle Creek and Grimethorpe. 

We are obviously fortunate to have a player of such talent within our ranks.

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.

Second Horn                                                                                                                          Ann Hall

Ann joined the Band just prior to the Butlins Contest in January 2006.  Anns husband, Andrew, plays Solo Horn with Reg Vardy Band.  Ann has taken a spell away from the band having recently given birth to a beautiful daughter, Isobel.

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