Alan Birch

Playing History

I’ve always been a Tuba player since I started learning at school aged 11, because the “horn” on offer wasn’t a French one (which I’ve subsequently found I can’t play with my rubbery lips).

Apart from the school band, I played in 4th section bands (Watford Silver, SW Herts & Langley Park) and in the Herts County Youth Band for 9 years. Upon achieving gainful employment, I spent a few months with the Works' non-contesting band before joining the KM Medway Band, where I stayed for 15 years competing in the 2nd, 1st and Championship sections.

A decision to move to NW England to be closer to other family resulted in a choice location with no good bands close by, so I had to cross the border and joined Wrexham NEWI on BBb Bass.

I joined Crewe on Principal Eb Bass in 2004, having heard the band play 'Passicaglia' at the Area contest (awesome!) and have not looked back.

I also enjoy orchestral playing, with high points of playing at the Albert Hall (Watford School of Music Orchestra), Barbican (Herts County Youth Orchestra), Carnegie Hall (HCYB - but the one in Dunfermline!) and anytime under Adrian Leaper (Clarendon Orchestra). I have also dabbled in brass ensembles, including the infamous Scrap Metal concert at University (ask Cathy about the Gladiolus, or glad-its-over, Rag!)

Personal Biography

Married to Cathy (who took up the Baritone on the basis of "if you can't beat them, join them"), we have encouraged our daughters, Gemma and Sarah, to play instruments - clarinet and oboe! (although Gemma has started practising the Baritone off her own bat).

Employed in Preston, family in Wirral and playing in Crewe twice a week, I spend a lot of my time on my own, driving. Who has time for hobbies when you play in a Band? If you're not rehearsing with the Band, it's all personal practice (I hope Jef doesn't notice the sarcasm!)

Eb Bass
Committee Member

Photography by Skilly and Carl Ball