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although I now play the piano, I still loved playing a brass instrument in brass bands, My favourite is the euphonium what a sound a good player can get from the euph rich and mellow and some great solos available as well, what are the favourite instruments of the other brass players on the forum, and how many are from a brass band background like myself and what standard of bands are you still playing in, or were if retired from playing

I played in a rather mediocre brass band from 1948 to 1952, working my way up from tenor horn through Bb cornet (2nd, then solo) to Eb soprano. Since then I have played the orchestral horn, with one departure when I played bass tuba in a cabaret item. Nowadays I also play mute cornett in Renaissance music.

A few years ago, I conducted a nearby brass band for a few months, but resigned when I realised the low quality of the music they were obliged to play for financial reasons: selections from recent shows and television programmes, some reasonably arranged, some rather poorly. They had a few good players, but mostly rather slow learners, so introducing new music to the pad was not feasible in the time available.

Well I play the cornet, however if I played another brass I would love to play the tenor horn or flugel. The tenor horn has such a lovely tone. I play for a 4th section band as 2nd/rep, i've only been playing with them for a year now. I'd love to play the cornet solo 'you raise me up'. It's lovely when played well. I hope to join a higher section band in a few years when I finish school and start uni. I also play in school bands, 2 wind orchestras, a jazz band and church band.

I also play the piano and saxophone, but If I was to choose another complete different instrument it would be the guitar however I think 3 instruments keep busy enough for the time being. =]

My all time favourite instrument though would have to be the cornet

I started on Bb cornet at about 6 then moved onto horn when I was told i'd never be a cornet player!! Ha!!! A few years later went back onto Soprano cornet where I stayed for a number of years. Played mainly in a fourth section band helping other bands up to second section (severe shortage of sop players around ) I have always loved the sop, when played correctly has such a beautiful sound although I have heard a number being overblown so they shriek quite nastily. A bit corny but my favourite sop part is in the Floral Dance! Have now given up brass banding due to other commitments as a trumpet player but I still look back with fond memories, although glad to not be marching in all weathers