Chris Parkinson - Solo Euphonium

Chris was encouraged at the age of eight to take up playing a brass instrument by his father Gerry whom had played the Horn in his youth with Whitworth Vale and Healey. Chris initially played the Horn with the 2nd Rossendale Scout Brass Band, taking lessons with a family friend Kirsten Thomas (Flugel, Britannia Building Society). Chris soon moved on to the Euphonium, which became his instrument of choice and has played it ever since. After a couple of years, Chris then went on to play for various bands around Lancashire (approx dates); Middleton (2nd Euph 1992-94), Water, Goodshaw (2nd Euph), Todmorden (2nd Euph 1995-97), Lancashire Youth (Solo Euph 1995-98), Nelson (Solo Euph) and Blackburn and Darwen (1998-2000).

At some point Chris decided to concentrate on his studies, the practicing and band rehearsals ceased and for six years hardly played at all whilst he went on to university to study Physics. In May 2006 Chris saw an advert for a Euph player wanted for the Whit Friday Contests with Whitworth Vale and Healey. After practicing and contesting with them, he soon realised what he was missing out on and has quickly renewed his interests in playing the Euphonium and Banding.

Chris joined H&H following the summer of 2006 and has recently moved on to Solo Euphonium and is taking regular lessons with Paul Andrews of Wire Brass.

Chris's sisters also play; Sarah is a long-standing member of Middleton Brass Band (Solo Baritone) and Rebecca occasionally plays with the Lancastrians (Horn).

Chris's pride and joy, a Courtois Euphonium, is currently at McQueens in a pile of bits for refurbishment after his dad, Gerry, accidently removed all the lacquer from the instrument by placing it in the bath with soda crystals for far too long. He has now been officially named and shamed!

Chris's hobbies have included, swimming, rowing and rock climbing, however much of his free time is now taken up in the pursuit of enlightenment i.e. playing the Euphonium and drinking beer!