Nick Morris

Nick joined Uckfield Concert Brass in 2010 and since then has led the band in a series of sell-out concerts across southern England.

Under Nick’s direction, the band has combined with other local groups and soloists to put on memorable events that have delighted audiences.

Among the highlights are: a  music hall themed concert, accompanying a specially-commissioned contemporary dance with Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, a World War I narrated event and  a performance of the film score of William Walton’s Henry V.

The band’s events have also helped raise money for local charities such as the Martlett Hospice, Sussex Cancer Fund and Royal British Legion.

Musical education

Nick started playing trombone at the age of eight with The Salvation Army in Stockport. He was a founder member of Stockport Schools Brass Band and one of the first students at Salford College when the band studies course was introduced. His trombone tutors included David Loukes and Neville Robert,s of the Halle Orchestra. Later teachers included Chris Mowatt, of the BBC and Halle.

Nick continued his musical education at Kingston-upon-Thames where he pursued a BA Honours degree in Music Education followed by an M.Phil on the music of Michael Tippett and the psychology of Carl Jung. He also passed LGSM (Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music) on the trombone.

He joined Staines Salvation Army under Brian Bowen, later moving to Halls Oxford Concert Brass with Adrian Leaper. Under Adrian the band appeared as Area Finalists at the Albert Hall two years running.

Epsom and Ewell

In 1987 Nick joined Epsom and Ewell Silver Band as Musical Director.

He brought the band together with Stoneleigh Choral Society to perform two historic concerts for brass band and choir: an arrangement of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, followed two years later by a performance of Dr. Denis Wright’s arrangement of Handel’s great oratorio, Messiah.

Under Nick’s musical direction, the band toured Europe, giving concerts in Germany, Holland and France, as well as joint concerts in Wales and the Southeast with the renowned Builth Wells Male Voice Choir.

He also took the band from the third section to the first, as well as appearing at the 2nd Section National Finals.

Oxted Band

Nick joined Oxted Band as Musical Director in 1998 and in five years worked with the band to develop their musical horizons.

Highlights included the band’s Stars of Brass concerts with guest soloists, such as Brett Baker (Black Dyke), David Childs (Cory Band), Jim Davis (Brighouse & Rastrick) and Mark Walters (Grimethorpe). Other performances featuring the film score of William Walton’s Henry V and collaboration with soprano singer Sandra Lissenden.

Orchestral work

Nick is the principal trombone for The Salomon Orchestra and Chelsea Opera. He has played for outstanding conductors including Martyn Brabbins, Robin Ticciati, Howard Williams, Jason Lai, Nicholas Braithwaite, James Judd and many others.