'I was one of the lucky ones': How a primary school hat-draw led to 30 years with Yorkshire Imperial Band
From drawing a trumpet out of a hat at a Morley primary school to sharing stages with Shirley Bassey and Status Quo, Yorkshire Imperial Band’s Alan Fowler looks back on three decades of music ahead of a homecoming show in Pudsey
A chance moment at a Morley primary school launched a music career that has spanned three decades, major national competition titles, and performances alongside some of the biggest names in showbiz.
Now, Alan Fowler - Principal Cornet player for the renowned Yorkshire Imperial Band - is preparing to take the stage at Pudsey Civic Hall next month for a special concert celebrating the band's rich 90-year history.
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Alan’s journey in brass music began when his primary school bought two brand-new trumpets and picked the recipients by drawing names out of a hat. "I was one of the two lucky ones," he recalls, a moment that ultimately set him on a path to joining Yorkshire Imperial in 1994.
Over his 32 years as Principal Cornet, Alan has helped lead the group through major triumphs, including winning Brass in Concert in 1995 and being crowned National First Section Champions in 2005.
His tenure has taken him to iconic stages, from a Prince's Trust Concert at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow, and Stephen Fry, to the Rugby League World Cup final pitch with Diana Ross and Status Quo.
Attributing the band’s sustained success to strong camaraderie and the leadership of Musical Director Ian McElligott, Alan points to a bespoke ABBA arrangement - Mamma Mia! A Symphonic Portrait, penned by McElligott himself, as a standout highlight of the upcoming Pudsey setlist.
"It's such a clever arrangement," Alan says. "Every time we play it, I hear something new in the music."
Reflecting on his decades on stage, Alan's advice to aspiring musicians is simple: put the hard work in early when tackling difficult music, but never lose sight of the enjoyment that comes from performing.
"The sound of a full brass band is like no other musical group," Alan adds. "I hope people can appreciate the sound and quality of this type of ensemble as much as we do."
Yorkshire Imperial Band perform at Pudsey Civic Hall on October 17. Tickets and box office information are available via the official Yorkshire Imperial Band website.