I began to play at age 11. I chose trumpet because there were no clarinets left! I was never very enthusiastic about it until, at age 14, a friend suggested that I come along to the band – and that was me – I was hooked! I played 3rd Cornet for about six months and then suddenly I found myself thrust onto Flugel for an upcoming contest! Panic stations! I have played in the band ever since, and currently play Solo Cornet, although I was Principal Cornet from 1997-2005. My most memorable experience with the band was in 2005, when we competed in the European Championships in Groningen, but winning the NIBA on my 16th birthday is a close second! I will never forget the celebratory party in my parents’ house that evening, when Desy played the recording of our performance 16 times!

I am married to Ken and I have two very young children, Charlie and Sophie. I work as a Lecturer in Music at Belfast Metropolitan College, and I really enjoy it. Before that, I studied Music at university and subsequently worked for the Ulster Orchestra and the University of Ulster Music Department.