A musical background
I studied trombone at Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, under Chris Houlding, and continued to complete my education with a graduate degree from the Guildhall School of Music, London, under Dudley Bright, Eric Crees, Simon Wills, and Peter Gane.
As a teenager, I performed my own orchestration of Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique with Lancashire Schools Symphony Orchestra. During my student years, I freelanced with various orchestras in most major concert venues with highlights of that time including playing under the baton of Mstislav Rostropovich, and performing Frank Martin's Ballade for Trombone with the Guildhall Chamber Orchestra.
However, my interests began to shift towards electronic music and composition for media which led me to explore digital platforms, ultimately diverting my professional path into the visual arts. My trombone, unfortunately, spent many years in its case.
Returning to music
The pandemic lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to dust off my trombone and rekindle my passion. Since then, I've been incredibly fortunate to have played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Glyndebourne, under the direction of John Wilson, and made repeat appearances with LPO Brass at Glynde.
As a soloist, I premiered a new work by Polo Piatti for solo trombone and orchestra with Hastings Sinfonia in 2024. I am principal with Sussex Symphony Orchestra, founded the quintet Long Man Brass, was a member of Harveys Brass, and regularly freelance with various orchestras across London and the South East, including Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra.
My jazz and big band experiences include appearing with the Guildhall Big Band under Scott Stroman, fronted by trumpet legend Randy Brecker at Ronnie Scott's, London. More recently, I performed with the London Gay Big Band in their Liza with a 'Z' show, supporting Christina Bianco at Clapham Grand, London, and the Theatre Royal, Brighton.
Freelance Trombonist
Now based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, I am available for work as a freelance trombonist including orchestral tenor/alto, session work, show and big band etc. Please contact me via chris@track5.co.uk or by phone on +44 (0)7747 635577.
