Andy Crosland
2nd Euphonium

Not sure exactly when I started but my earliest memory is "having a go" on my dad’s tenor horn age 7 or 8 – followed by lessons at Denby Dale Junior Band. We got 5 new pence (decimal!!!) for chips on the way home!

Fed up of afterbeats I decided to try trombone which I played for a number of years at school bands - until it got bent one Christmas, and I ended up on euphonium because it was all the school had left!

I’ve played with various Yorkshire bands, including Skelmanthorpe and Hade Edge – and at various times played tenor and bass trombone, but mainly euphonium. I was also a founder member of the successful Scissett Youth Band and stayed for 7 years as principal euphonium until age forced retirement!

Having moved to Manchester in 1986, commuting to Hade Edge lost its appeal in the winter months, and I eventually found a place in BT Band (2nd Euphonium). A new wife and baby prompted me to take a rest from serious banding, but after a couple of years off I soon got back into playing with Hazel Grove in 1994.

Since moving to VBS in 2002 I have enjoyed the high standard of playing, the variety of jobs (many seeming to involve fields and tents!) and the friendly atmosphere.