Hebden Bridge Band

Front row cornets

Andrew Ashworth

Andrew first took up music at the age of seven and received tuition from Oldham Music Services. Although his parents didn't think he'd keep it up, he soon proved them wrong, working very hard with his cornet practice. By the time he was in year 4, a year later, he was principal cornet and had been invited along to play at Oldham Music Centre. By the age of 10 he was in the Youth Band.
John Collins, MD of Oldham Band (Lees) and Bare Tree Junior Band then asked Andrew if he'd help Bare Tree out, and he was soon sat on the principal cornet chair helping the band win an ‘Outstanding Performance Award’ at Symphony Hall and leading them in performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

He has taken part in a competition arranged by the Future Talent Charity, which was set up by the Duchess of Kent in order of helping young talented musicians with finances. Andrew’s performances won him £1000, which helped him to purchase a new Besson Prestige Cornet. Andrew's present day tutor is the legendary James Shepherd. His long term ambition is to one day be principal cornet with one of the top bands in the country.

Matthew Murray

Les Smail

Born in Scotland, Les began his playing days with Selkirk Silver Band. In 1972 he left the Borders to join Hammonds Sauce Works Band where he held the principal cornet chair for six years. A change in direction saw him turn to conducting and he has taken Hammonds Juniors and Yeadon Old Band who, in 1999, gained second place at the Yorkshire Area, taking them on to the National Finals and also winning promotion to the second section. Les joined Hebden Bridge in 2003 with wife Colleen (soprano). They live in Shipley with daughter Lucy and son James.

Colleen Smail

Started her playing days on Bb cornet with Hammonds Juniors, later to become Hammonds Sauce Band 'B'. Moved up the ranks and became principal cornet. In 1977 the band became 4th section National Champions. A change in name to the Hawley Band saw Colleen move onto Soprano and she progressed with the band to the Championship Section.
She has played with Girls of Brass and The Young Ambassadors and has been with Hebden Bridge since 2003 with husband Les (cornet). They live in Shipley with daughter Lucy and son James. Colleeen has recently moved from soprano to strengthen the front row.