Still got to learn how to stick apicture into this lot (watch this space) 

Hi Dave price here going to give you some facts and figures about myself, so now is the time to change channel and read something better.

Last chance

You had your chance

Here goes

I started playing trumpet at school and got quite good. this involved playing for shows with my best mate Barry Bleasdale who then invited me to join him at the Accrington military band. It was at this time that I realised the disadvantages of playing by ear (if I heard or already new a tune, it was easy to play) Playing music directly from the music at Accy Military when I had no idea what it went like, was difficult to say the least.

On leaving school and discovering beer, motorbikes, Beer, girls, beer, eventually leading to marraige, parties, more beer, motor bike accidents and the curse of the drinking classes (work), trumpet playing was put onto a back burner for a year or fourteen.

After the arrival of two wonderful children who are now all grown up I went to a band concert in Clayton-le-Moors All Saints to see the famous Slaidburn Silver Band, the principle cornet player being my pall from school when I spoke to him at the interval I told him I was interested in playing again and he said they had room on the BB flat Bass This magnificent instrument was the only thing I ever wanted to play anyway.

When I arrived home from Gods country (Scotland) next month, there was a massive case in the hall which I carried to practice on thursday and started rather gingerly to put in the odd ump's. The pah's were to come later. With this band I re-established my love for this excellent pastime.

After a year in Slaidburn I was invited to join Nelson Brass band which was, and still is a competing band (then in section 4). I enjoyed the preparation for, and the buzz of the competition, and over the next few years I was to improve my sight reading skills which were still very limited. I was also asked to help out other bands and finally made a move to Goodshaw band that was currently playing in section 2 and enjoyed many contest wins playing Purcell's Variations and the Aeronaughts. I was finally asked to help out Haslingden and Helmshore band when one of their bass players was not well. I had to learn The London Overture in three or four rehersals, by this time I had a very good idea whento leave notes out and not to not play wrong notes. Our result was good and I was pleased to have participated in the competition. And guess what we celebrated with beer. Whilst I  was helping out Haslingden I realised they needed another EE flat Bass player and was then asked if I would fill the position. I was'nt sure if I was good enough.

I returned to Goodshaw and played in the Area contest finishing just in time to watch Hazy play their piece which was brilliant, even with only three bass players the sound was awesome it was whilst sat listening in the Winter Gardens Ball Room that I decided to join Haslingden (if they would have me).

My reading is still improving and I am enjoying playing more than ever. My only regret sofar is that I have never played with a band when it has been promoted into a higher section. This year we are all working to stay up in the first section therefore this is my next challenge.

There: I warned you to go and read something else.