Hebden Bridge Band

Basses

Ian Coleman - Principal Eb Bass

Ian is the longest serving member of Hebden Bridge Band, having been with the band on and off for over 33 years. He started at Hebden Bridge Junior Band and then joined the senior band. He progressed to principal cornet, before taking up the euphonium where he stayed for some years. Ian conducted the band for a few years, dragging them up by their bootlaces when times were tough and the band had gone down to just a few players. He built up the band and had much success, a high point being when he conducted the band at the National Finals in Birmingham. We have much to thank him for, having built the foundations for the successful band we have today.
Ian retired from conducting the band and took up Eb bass, as well as taking up the baton at Hebden Bridge Junior Band. Recently he spent some time in the U.S.A. but we are pleased to welcome him home again.

Jonathan Cowens - 2nd Eb Bass

Jonathan comes from a musical dynasty at HBB. His mother and uncle have been very keen players for some years, and his brother Rick is our principal Bb Bass. He started on the baritone with Hebden Bridge Juniors, but moved onto the bass three years ago. At the 2006 areas, he made a splendid contribution to a rival band, and was snapped up by Hebden Bridge before he got too comfortable elsewhere. Jonathan is one of several youngsters in the band who are our valued bandsmen of the future. He is also a member of the Yorkshire Youth Band which he regards as a ‘marvellous challenge.’

Richard Cowens. Principal BBb bass

Rick's musical career started at the age of 9 on the trombone with the Hebden Bridge Junior Band under the guidance of Bryan Robinson. Only lasting 2 years on the trombone he then had some time out until joining Hebden Bridge Band in August 1996 on 2nd baritone. In 2000 he was moved up to solo baritone. 2002 saw Rick join the euphonium section on 2nd euph. In 2004 Rick took over as top BBb bass.

Roger Taylor - 2nd Bb Bass

Roger started playing the bass in 1995 and has been with the band for seven years on and off. He lives in Wardle, with wife Sylvia and his three children, one of whom (Grant) is the band's principal cornet. Roger runs his own business as an agricultural Engineer, so if you need your tractor fixing - Roger is your man.
One of Roger's finest on-stage moments was when he set off a smoke cartridge inside his bass bell during a performance of 'Ticket To Ride'.