KATIE DOBSON
Katie played Euphonium from 1994-2002 and now works as an Occupational Therapist.
I started with St Helens Youth Band from 1994 (I think!) when they rehearsed at Ruskin Drive; where we spent
many a morning running round the pitch outside when someone yawned!
I played with B band and then A band until leaving for university in 2002, however stayed with the band for the
next two years helping out on weekends.
My years with St Helens Youth were some of the best of my life, giving me memories and friends that will last
a lifetime, as well as skills such as commitment and discipline which have been vital in my career and adult life.
I even played my euphonium on my wedding day with friends I had met from Youth Band surprising me for a
“reunion” concert!
I’ve not played since having my children, however having enjoyed playing again for the alumni project who
knows what the future holds!
DAVID GEOGHEGAN
I joined the St Helens Youth Brass Band as a nine year old in 1992 and played with them until I moved to London to study trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music in 2001. My years as a member of SHYBB helped me to grow both as a musician and a person. The band, under the inspirational leadership of Lynda Nicholson, was incredibly successful both on the concert and contest platform. During my time with SHYBB we were fortunate to celebrate several National Youth Championship victories, undertook successful tours abroad and premiered a new piece by Howard Snell - whom would later become one of my teachers at the RAM. Since graduating in 2006 I have enjoyed a varied freelance career as a solo, chamber, orchestral and session musician. As Principal Trumpet of the London Contemporary Orchestra, I have recorded many film soundtracks and played with renowned artists like Mumford & Sons, Gruff Rhys, DJ Shadow and UNKLE. I also regularly perform as an extra player with the likes of the LSO, Philharmonia and RPO and have deputised on several West End shows. I am a founding member of the brass covers band, Old Dirty Brasstards, playing at major UK festivals such as Glastonbury. Alongside my playing commitments, I enjoy teaching and being involved in outreach projects coaching young musicians. I am delighted that SHYBB continues to offer the young brass players of St Helens the opportunity to make music together and experience the fun of banding!
GEMMA ROWLANDS
Gemma Rowlands played Tenor Horn from 2003-2009 and is now a Freelance Writer and Editor.
I started playing relatively late in comparison to lots of other youngsters, but would probably have never
started at all if Lynda Nicholson hadn’t delivered a demonstration in my school when I was in Y6. I immediately
knew I wanted to play, and started learning the cornet, joining SHYBB a couple of years later. I met so many
amazing friends there, and enjoyed some fabulous experiences including concerts, residentials and tours. I’ll
never forget the feeling of excitement I used to get on a Friday night knowing I had band the next morning (is
that sad?), and nothing since has ever matched it! Thanks to the youth band I am now involved in various adult
bands in the local area – now playing tenor horn – and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the SHYBB
Alumni Band.