Jul 2017 – Jul 2024
Craig started playing at 11 years of age with Haydock Youth Brass Band – now Valley Brass (Haydock) Band – on BBb Bass. He moved to Soprano Cornet 2 years later before taking a break from playing at 14 that lasted 7 years.
After a renewed interest in brass performance at 21, Craig took the position of Repiano Cornet at the Championship section Blackburn and Darwen and Pemberton ‘A’ bands respectively over a 10 year period. He moved to Flixton Band (for new challenges…) in 2017.
Craig works as a self-employed joiner building new homes, sub-contracted for Jones Homes, Seddon Homes and Wiggets Homes.
In the 2008/2009 recession, work ground to a halt, so Craig decided to go to university. He chose to go to the University of Salford to study Composition (under Prof. Peter Graham) and Performance (under Dr. Howard Evans and Dr. Robert Childs, with Brian Taylor as his cornet Tutor), gaining a 1st class degree.
During his time at Salford, Craig was the 1st Trumpet for the Salford University Wind Band, played in the Salford University Big Band, was the Co-principal Trumpet player for Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra and Principal Cornet for both Salford University Brass bands.
Craig’s performing highlight was playing at the Liverpool Echo Arena alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for the Capital of Culture opening ceremony, which was aired to millions around the world.
Currently, Craig is studying for his Private Pilot License, an ambition he’s had from a very young age.
Adie Smith is our Musical Director.