I did a little singing at school and I learned to read music whilst playing an old Kimball organ that my father owned. I joined the Navy in 1973 and enjoyed listening to various Royal Marine and Royal Navy volunteer bands but my first experience of brass playing didn't happen until I joined the ship's band on HMS Illustrious as a novice baritone player in 1982. After about 12 months I was drafted elsewhere and didn't pursue my brass playing career further until 2003 when my daughter re-kindled my interest by learning to play the trumpet. I had by this time left the Navy and for some strange reason I thought it would be good idea to join a brass band (must be a uniform thing). I found Portsmouth City Band via the internet and they made me feel very welcome despite my obvious inability to read music at any speed.  During my time with Portsmouth I also took up playing the trombone which had it's own challenges. After a couple of years I needed a greater challenge than the 2nd baritone seat was providing.  Luckily, in June 2005 I spotted an ad in the British Bandsmen, Haslemere were advertising for euph/baritone players so I took a chance and contacted the band. Since joining the band I have spent time playing Euphonium, Trombone, Baritone and have now moved to Cornet.