John Holt

John is one of the few brass players who did not start in a brass band, being directed by his father (an orchestral violinist) towards classical music. His first - and, lasting instrument was the trombone which he played with the Yorkshire Youth Orchestra, even becoming a “reserve” with the prestigious National Youth Orchestra. A Yorkshireman from the Brighouse area, he started playing traditional jazz around Halifax in the 1960s. He was an engineer by profession before training to become a teacher and, now “retired”, he has embarked on an M.Sc. degree in P C Interfacing and Software Applications at the University of Central Lancashire. His musical abilities span an amazing range from classical (with the Blackburn Symphony Orchestra) through brass bands (Hogarth Championship Band), local pit orchestras (playing for shows), wind ensembles (Harmony 84), traditional jazz (Yarrow River) to acid jazz/funk (Tripitaka). Such a fine musician is yet another welcome addition to the list of special guests joining the Pendle Jazzmen. - Colin Mason

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