Michael Fowles

Born in Stoke-on-Trent , Michael’s early musical education came from the peripatetic service of North Staffordshire . During this time he was a member of many of the County’s ensembles , culminating in him holding the position of Principal trombone of both the County Youth Brass Band and Orchestra . Upon leaving the area he was awarded the Staffordshire Music Dept. Harry Mortimer award for his contribution to brass playing and the Staffs. County Council Young Achievers Award.

In 1990 Michael began his Degree studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester . It was at this time that he began to work as a freelance trombonist playing in “pit” bands for musical productions in theatres – work that he still undertakes today . It was also around this time that he joined the trombone section of the Britannia Building Society (Fodens) Band with whom he spent 5 “very happy and musically rewarding years “ .

1990 also saw Michael begin his commitment to the education of the next generation of young musicians by becoming the Trombone Tutor to the Wessex Youth Band Courses , a position he still holds today , along with being a member of the conducting team .

Michael graduated from the RNCM with an Honours Degree and was presented with the Harry Mortimer Outstanding Brass Student Award . Following graduation he continued his studies with Howard Snell and gained a postgraduate Diploma in Band Direction. At this time the college invited Michael to become a Junior Fellow , a position he held for 2 years , working with the Brass Band , Brass Ensembles and within the Opera Department . He was then appointed to the post of Resident Conductor of the Brass Band , combining this with his role in the other department , which he held until 2000 .

Michael’s conducting career began in 1995 when he became Musical Director of the Point of Ayr Band from North Wales . During his five-year tenure the band enjoyed what is arguably their most successful period , becoming Welsh Area Champions twice and in 1998 representing Wales in the European Championships , gaining Third Prize .

Already in a relatively short career Michael has packed much experience , having conducted at International Festivals , recorded for both BBC Radio 2 + 3 , recorded several commercial CD’s , directed Premieres and conducted Concerto appearances of eminent soloists including Joseph Alessi (New York Philharmonic) , Ronald Barron (Boston Symphony) , Andrew Berryman (Halle) and Shoichiro Hokazano .

Described as “One of the leading young interpreters of modern brass styles” (Brass Band World Magazine) Michael is much in demand, having already worked with many of the Country’s leading bands including The Fairey Band , Fodens Richardson and a 3 ½ year tenure as the Associate Conductor of The Leyland Band.He also undertakes much consultancy work with bands in all sections. Currently he is Musical Director of the BT Band from Stockport and The Ratby Co-operative band in Leicester, an organisation boasting around 120 players in 4 bands from beginners to the Championship section Senior Band.