AYRTON HOCKADAY

Biography

 

I was introduced to music, particularly brass music, when I was 1 year old. My dad was a member of the Guernsey Concert Band (as it was then called).

It wasn't until I was 7 that I was "gently persuaded" to learn a musical instrument.

Starting off on Cornet, it was soon apparent I had a big mouth and would be better suited to a Tenor Horn.

 

I spent 9 glorious years on this pint sized instrument and was very fortunate enough to join forces with Dobcross Silver Band and an Army Band as well as performing for several members of the Royal Family on various visits to Guernsey.

 

As I approached the age of choosing a career, my dad suggested I swap from the Tenor Horn to Trombone. This would enable me to join various groups and play with different ensembles a Tenor-Horn doesn't usually fit in.

 

So from 2003 I swapped full time from a valved instrument to a slide instrument. Completing my ABRSM grade 6 in 6 months of the switch.

 

The past 15 years have been the best part of my musical career/life and I've met some amazing people and performed with a variety of music ensembles.

 

I have been a member of the Guernsey Concert Brass, Guernsey Concert Youth Brass, Guernsey Jazz Orchestra, Guernsey Symphonic Winds and over the past 6 years, I've also been involved as a pit musician for 3 local production companies - GADOC Evoke and Class Act Productionse - staging some of the world's most popular musicals, stage shows and pantomimes.

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Currently I run the Brass Oddity music group - a group aimed at players that just want to have a social place to play without doing high end concerts. 

 

I don't just play, I also compose music and arrange for brass band and small groups.

 

As of January 2013 I picked up a baton and entered into the world of conducting by starting up, or reforming, the youth feeder section to the Guernsey Concert Brass.

 

Highlights of my musical career?

Too many to list however my first Whit Friday Experience in 2003 with the Guernsey Concert Brass, being asked to play with 2nd section Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band in 2007 for Whit Friday and most recently playing Principal Trombone for Otterbourne Brass.

Of course, there are many but I also feel very honoured to be involved with so much music around the island of Guernsey

 

Current Projects?

Composing several pieces for Brass Band which I fit in around my performance work and jobs as well as running Brass Oddity and organising concerts.

 

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