Charlie started playing the cornet at primary school when he was about seven years old. Emma Ward (now principal cornet player with PSLBB) was the music teacher at that time who came to school every week to teach.
She encouraged Charlie to try the cornet which he took to quite easily but as soon as he saw the Tuba, he knew instantly it was something he wanted to play, so he set about working his way towards that. When you are only small and the Tuba is a big instrument, it feels a long time to wait. Having played the cornet for a few months and still under the tutelage of Emma Ward, Charlie quickly progressed on to the Euphonium which he enjoyed very much but he always had his sights on the Tuba.
When Charlie moved to secondary school around age eleven his tutor became Simon Evans (Musical Director of PSLBB) and he asked immediately if he could start on the Tuba. Simon and Wirral Schools Music Service provided a ‘small’ Tuba for Charlie to start with but Charlie was always itching to get to the ‘Big One’. Simon was very active within Wirral Music Service at that time and conducted many of the children’s concerts so he saw Charlie playing often, growing in confidence and ability, and mentored and taught him along the way.
Charlie finally fulfilled his wish and moved up to the Eb Bass (Tuba) when he was about twelve years old and Simon invited him to join PSLBB that same year 2017, where he was warmly welcomed by Ralph Peters, founder of Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band and fellow Eb Bass player. Charlie was the youngest player in the band for many years but played the biggest instrument, he would encourage anyone young or older to learn a brass instrument and join a band. He also had the honour of sitting in the same seat at rehearsals as Tuba maestro Les Neish who is also a former player with the band. Charlie also plays the Bb Bass as and when required which is even bigger than the Eb Bass!
The whole band has taken Charlie under their wing and to their heart and have wished him well every step of the way. Simon Evans (MD) has played a pivotal role is Charlie’s journey and he owes him a debt of gratitude, they have a musical bond and friendship that spans many years now. Simon has encouraged Charlie to grow and he has tutored him through all his Music Grading Exams culminating with Grade 8 earlier this year which awarded him yet another Distinction.
As Charlie now looks to the next chapter in his life, he has recently secured a place at the prestigious Conservatoire; Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester. He is excited to be embarking on a University degree course and is looking forward to meeting and playing with many varied musicians in the future, but he will always be grateful for the start he had with PSLBB and will always be happy to play with them when he is home on the Wirral.
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