Young Allan Started playing the cornet aged 8, so has been playing for very nearly 100 yrs!  Allan is a keen fan of Manchester United and it is rumoured he attended the first Newton Heath LYR match, (circa 1878).

Allan won a scholarship to the Royal Manchester College of Music aged 18 and joined the Halle Orchestra three years later.

Stayed in Halle Orchestra for 20 years and then left to run a pub! ( I decided that instead of trying to drink all of the beer brewed, I would be better selling it to other people )  During this time I renewed my brass band connections playing with many top bands.

I have since given up pubs. and now teach brass for various local authorities.

Big bands are new to me, but I have to admit I love it.  Especially taking the Micheal out of the saxophone section.

Typical musicians joke:-

Q. How do you get 5 saxophonists in tune?

A.  Shoot 4 of them. Boom-Boom