In 1984 Mike started playing the cornet with the newly reformed Beaumaris Band in his native Anglesey. In 1988 he became principal cornet of the band along with the highly successful Gwynedd Youth Brass Band. This led on to 5 years of representing his country in the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and appointment to the Point of Ayr Colliery Band whilst studying at Salford University.

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Mike then went on to join the wonderful Yorkshire Building Society Band, under the direction of David King.

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This culminated in 3 South American tours, numerous European and domestic contest successes followed in what was a golden era.

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After University he returned home to Wales and was appointed principal cornet of his former band Point of Ayr. This culminated in the band becoming Welsh Champions and a great showing again in Europe.

 

With the sad demise of this band he moved up to the North West and was an integral part of the meteoric rise of Wire Brass in Warrington. From the 3rd section status to Championship Section within 5 years he led the band as Principal cornet and associate conductor.

 

After Wire Brass had ran its course he then joined the Co-Op Crewe band in 2011 and was the principal cornet/assistant conductor until the pandemic brought a halt to his playing career.

 

In October 2022 he was approached to be interim conductor of the Roberts Bakery Band based in Northwich after the departure of their MD at the time. He led the band through to the hotly contested North West Area Championship Section gaining the bands best showing at this competition for many years and gaining many plaudits in their wake.

 

In April 2023 he accepted the role of musical director of the Roberts Bakery Band.