The Repiano Cornet seat is generously sponsored by Dorothy Dalzell

Ben began playing the cornet at the age of 9 at primary school, and was taught by Danny Brookes (ex-Leyland principal trombonist). He joined Eccleston Junior Band and rapidly progressed to the senior band and onto the solo cornet bench.

He began his secondary learning at Archbishop Temple School and Ben began to take an active role in both the school concert band and jazz band. The supported him fully in his musical development and provided him with the opportunity to perform solo recitals in Austria, Spain and St Paul’s Cathedral at Ground Zero in New York.

In 2013, Ben won the prestigious Woodard Schools Junior Musician of the Year award after competing at the finals in London. At the age of 14 he joined the Hebden Bridge Band and was subsequently appointed as principal cornet there. At the age of 15 Ben became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Briatin, and moved to Leyland in May 2015.