Musician, composer and arranger James Atkins is our Associate Musical Director, with special responsibility for developing the talents of our training band. James currently plays repiano cornet with the highly successful Championship section band, WFEL Fairey Band and works as a brass teacher in Kirklees. He grew up in Saddleworth, holding principal positions with local bands and graduated with a first class honours degree in musical arts from the University of Salford.
He’s also worked as a composer and arranger with small and large ensembles, including the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band.
As an experienced music teacher, he’s passionate about our youngsters getting enjoyment out of playing music and sees the friendships that develop in youth bands as a positive force in their development.