Meet The Band

Our journey together since 2018 has been incredible. The band has recruited many high calibre players and we have such fun, productive rehearsals, our audiences are fantastic and the band is playing more and more challenging repertoire. As far as competitions go, I am proud to have lead the band from competing in the 4th section to the 1st section. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

— Ben Coulson, 2024

Musical Director - Ben Coulson

Influenced by his parents, whom both played in various brass bands in the local area, Ben first started to learn the cornet at Skelmersdale Prize Band. Following a successful four years of contesting and performing in events in the local area, Ben left the principal cornet seat to play for the acclaimed Blackburn and Darwen Band, where he held the Flugel seat.

In 2013, Ben moved to Huddersfield to study for his degree in Music, under the tutelage of legendary cornet player and conductor Dr Phillip McCann. Upon his move to Huddersfield, Ben was invited to join the Hammonds Band (formerly the YBS Band). In his time there, Ben enjoyed participating at the Grand Shield on two occasions, along with taking part in many competitions including the British Open, the National Finals and Brass in Concert.

Since returning to Skelmersdale and taking over as Musical Director, the band have had one of their most successful periods. Since August 2018, the band have recruited some excellent players, taken part in new events and been promoted to the 2nd section. Ben's efforts to deliver enjoyable and hard-working rehearsals is loved by the members of the band and plans a great balance of traditional and innovative concert repertoire.

  • Principal Cornet - Liz Hemmingway

    Tutti Cornet - Adam Galloway

    Tutti Cornet - Sara Miller

    Tutti Cornet - Paula Brockbank

  • Soprano Cornet - James Ball

    Repiano Cornet - Jen Littlehales

    2nd Cornet - Andrew Watkinson

    2nd Cornet - Melissa Taylor

    3rd Cornet - Chris Thorpe

    3rd Cornet - Steven Gee

  • Flugel - Ellen Galbraith

    Solo Horn - Gemma Rowlands

    1st Horn - John Dickinson

    2nd Horn - Steve Boreham

  • Solo Euphonium - Ste Gordon

    2nd Euphonium - Karen Hickey

    Solo Baritone - Alec Banks

    2nd Baritone - Tom Norris

  • Solo Trombone - Neil Walsh

    2nd Trombone - David Brown

    Bass Trombone - Darren Samuel

  • EEb Bass - Mike Scotson

    EEb Bass - Jack Holt

    BBb Bass - JP Coulson

    BBb Bass - Bill Overmire

  • Chris Krelle

    Josh Garth

    Pippa Samuel

  • James Beecham

    Brooke Taylor

    Mark Taylor

    Louise Molyneux