MIKE WEST – MD

Mike West became Musical Director of Betteshanger Colliery Band in August 2023.

We were absolutely delighted to have Mike on board, and from a one-off rehearsal preparing the band for a concert, we knew straightaway that he would be the perfect fit. Almost two years on, Mike has transformed the band from a concert band to a very competitive Contesting Band, one that has won the Regional Southern Counties Contest for two consecutive years, and gone on to take the 4th Section Champion Title. Both Mike and the players hope to make it four wins in a row at Cheltenham in September.

Mike’s musical vision and ambition match so well with the band’s ethos, values, and plans for the future. Mike brings such a wealth of experience and we are sure the band will continue to grow and go from strength to strength under his direction. We are very excited to see what the next chapter brings.

Mike started playing the tenor horn at the age of 6 with his local Brass Band but soon changed to Baritone and Euphonium. Aged 15, Mike concentrated on Trombone and quickly established himself as the first call for many Orchestral and Big Band ensembles. He has played for various Brass Bands, and he has won soloist awards along with having the honour of playing under conductors such as Walter Hargreaves, Frank Renton, Russel Gray, Melvin White, Ian McElligot, and Nigel Taken

He was a member of the Canterbury-based group that won the Jazz Group of the Year in 1993 where he played Trumpet for the performance due to the Trumpet player being unwell. It was then that Mike realised that as much as he loved Trombone the Trumpet was the instrument for him.

Mike has enjoyed a very successful career on Trumpet where he has studied under many of the country’s leading players and has played for some of the UK’s most prestigious big bands, and has had the privilege to be on many recordings as well as a getting to see the world thanks to music.

Mike has also been in demand as Musical Director for big bands, commercial projects, and Brass Bands. During his career, he has played in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall London, the Sydney Opera House, The Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, and The Royal Opera House as well as numerous Festivals.

Mike is proud to be an endorsed artiste with Eclipse Instruments where he is endorsed on Trumpet, Flugel, Cornet, and Soprano Cornet. Since becoming an endorsed artiste Mike has not only had the honour of playing great UK-made instruments but has also had the privilege to work closely with Leigh and Carl and has had a hand in the development of some of the current Eclipse instruments as well as being a regular tester of the newly made instruments. http://www.eclipseinstruments.com