Meet The Band

I come from a musical family and am indebted to their support and kindness. Having been encouraged to enjoy music I am now at the stage where I realise that it is who you spend your time with not what you spend your time on, is what matters. One day I hope to move on from the MA I enjoyed at Anglia Ruskin and revel in working towards a DMus. I’m passionate about championing music as a positive career option to young people. Overall, I feel blessed to be living this life.

Fun fact: Runs a rare-breed farm in his spare time

Band of the moment: First real band I ever saw live was the Count Basie Orchestra under Frank Foster, no matter how many great bands I see, this will always be my tops, largely because I shared this moment with my amazing little brother!

Mantra: There is always something good in everything

Birthday double: Always enjoyed having it on the D day anniversary!

Travel aspiration: San Fransisco, Maldives, Chicago & the Galapagos

Life goal: To take a band on a world tour!

I am a Staffordshire girl through and through having grown up just outside of Leek in a little village called Endon. Although Art and Literature are guiding forces in my life, I ended up as a primary school teacher for 20+ years in Derby. The pride and joy of my life are my 3 children, 1 grand-daughter and counting…

Fun fact: I love driving my vintage Massey Ferguson Tractor

Band of the moment: Having grown up in the 70’s you cannot beat Barry White, sorry jazzers!

Mantra: a little kindness goes a long way

Birthday double: Bill Murray

Travel aspiration: Maldives or anywhere that does not take too long!

Life goal: What’s that?

I started playing the trumpet when I was 7 and have been playing in Jazz bands ever since. I love the way music and travel give you memories that last for a lifetime. To name a few… Wayne Bergeron, Gregory Porter, Gordon Goodwin, Quincey Jones, Herlin Riley and Ed Thigpen ALL inspirational musicians but even better people in person. We all have a responsibility to inspire the next generation.

Fun fact: Nearly lost a thumb making homemade sausages last year! I also fancy myself as a bit of a photographer

Mantra: Anything Hitch says is good or Keep on Keepin’ on (Clark Terry)

Birthday double: Cuba joined the league of nations, as if there are no famous people born on my birthday!

Travel aspiration: Mars

Life goal: To be great at cooking a Sunday dinner.

At only 18 I have only really just started, though it is fair to say music is my life. As a drummer I first sat behind a drumkit when I was 13, so a little bit of a late starter, however I love the drums and in particular playing in a small jazz ensemble. I really hope that my music can help me travel, I love meeting people and playing so it would be a dream job!

Fun fact: At 3 years old I nearly lost my eye sight from playing Star Wars in our tiny caravan. Apparently knives are not light-sabers???

Band of the moment: Snarky Puppy

Birthday double: Mao Tsetung

Mantra: Still working on this

Travel aspiration: Tibet and Birdland in New York

Life goal: Be the best

I am a Derby boy, born and bred! Which sadly means I am a Derby County FC fan, which means I receive grief from friends and family every season. Fortunately I discovered the Alto Sax when I was 10 and have not looked back since. I am an avid follower of Gerald Albright, Dave Koz and David Sanborn. I love “pop sax” and if I was not focused on becoming a barrister, then I would strive to be the UK’s answer to Gerald.

Fun fact: I look funky socks!

Band of the moment: Gerald Albright

Birthday double: Meryl Streep

Mantra: Everything happens for a reason

Travel aspiration: North Pole to see Santa!

Life goal: Become a barrister

Having been brought up on the biggest dairy farm in Leicestershire it is safe to say that “farming” is in my blood, which means that I get on brilliantly with both Jayne and Jon. I played the trumpet, piano and sang through my early years and hope to continue with my music at Cardiff University where I am studying Law & French. Being half English/half Welsh I have often found myself leaning towards my Welsh heritage particularly in the Rugby!

Fun fact: When I was little, I was a child model for an Isle of Wight holiday brochure!

Band of the moment: Beyonce & AJ Brown

Birthday double: Johnny Dankworth

Mantra: Araf, heddlu

Travel aspiration: The whole world

Life goal: Be better than my sister

I am delighted to be a part of the team at Big Bang Sheet Music. Being a “swing” fan, I really enjoy chatting with the customers who order charts from our incredible Lush Life Music catalogue.

Fun fact: I used to be the number one Table Tennis player in Derbyshire!!

Band of the moment: Sinatra with Basie

Birthday double: Nicklas Bendtner

Mantra: The Best is Yet to Come

Travel aspiration: New Zealand

Life goal: To become a successful pianist, singer and songwriter.

‘Derby ’til i die’ in every way, I have to suffer at the University of Leeds studying International Business and Spanish away from my beloved city. I am currently back during the holidays with the great opportunity of working with the team as an intern and gaining experience as part of a Small-Medium Enterprise. When I am in Leeds I hold the esteemed position of President of the Leeds University Korfball Club (yes it’s a thing). For further information on Korfball follow the link below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korfball

Fun Fact: I currently hold the family record for most failed driving tests.

Band of the Moment: Queen

Birthday Double: Sid the sloth (Ice Age)

Mantra: Your biggest obstacle in life is yourself.

Travel Aspiration: Latin America

I am excited to join the Big Bang sheet music team and spread the joy of music throughout the world!

Fun fact: Fencing champion of Mickleover 

Band of the moment: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Birthday double: Mary Berry

Mantra: Love What You Do!

Travel aspiration: New Zealand

Life goal: To earn a living doing the things I dreamt of doing!