Ellenbrook & Boothstown Band

Principal Conductor - Craig Mann               Email Craig

Craig's musical career began at the age of 6 when he started Piano lessons, and by the age of 11 he was appointed Organist at Wharton United Reformed Church, Little Hulton. He began playing Cornet at the age of 11, and changed to Tuba at 14. Since starting on Tuba, Craig has never looked back.
He was accepted to study with Ewan Easton at the Junior RNCM from September 2005, where he also studies Organ with Simon Mercer and Conducting with Matthew Wood. In May 2007, he joined the BBb bass team at the Fairey Band, before joining the Tyldesley Band on Solo EEb Bass in January 2008.

Craig is currently studying for his A Levels at Canon Slade School, Bolton, where he conducts the school Senior Brass Ensemble, and he has been accepted to study tuba at the Royal Northern College of  Music, from September 2008. He enjoys composing and arranging music for a variety of ensembles, including Brass Band, Wind Band and Jazz Orchestra, and is also a skilled piano accompanist, often accompanying players at concerts and for exams.

Musical Director - Matthew Sale                Email Matthew

Matthew first joined the band when he was 7, mainly sitting in on 3^rd cornet. He was brought down by his Mum and Dad who both play in the band and also have another son who is here as well, Ben. From then on he worked his way up to 2^nd and Repiano cornet and in 2004 moved to Flugel Horn. In the same year he received the Ratcliffe cup, which is awarded to the most improved player. After a short period on Flugel Horn he moved back on to cornet (2005) but this time joining the front row cornet section of the band. Since then he has worked his way up to Assistant Principal. He was from this point tutored by Mark Wilkinson of the world famous Fodens Richardson band and in 2006 he passed an audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He also has just had the privilege of being a Guest Soloist with the Greater Manchester Police Band and recently had the honour of becoming Principal cornet at Besses O`th` Barn Band. Matthew also plays Piano and Organ at the Worsley Road United Reformed Church and is currently at Canon Slade 6^th form College where he is an active member of the music department. He is also a regular soloist with the Canon Slade School Brass Ensemble, which is conducted by Craig Mann, but also is a member of the Wind band and Jazz band at the school holding the lead Trumpet position in both.

Matthew is pleased to be able to assist Craig in this new adventure for the band and looks forward to working with the band.