Simon Kerwin BA (Hons)
Raised in the heart of the brass band community in the North West of England, Simon Kerwin has developed his musical career to become a globally recognised performer, conductor, composer and arranger.
Commencing his musical studies on baritone at the age of 12 years before progressing to the euphonium and finally settling on the tuba, Simon became a member of the successful Wingates Band at the age of 17 years-old.
Studies at the University of Salford advanced Simon’s performance and conducting skills, whilst studying under some of the world’s most influential composers such as James Curnow, John Golland, Phillip Sparke, Peter Graham, Arthur Butterworth and Michael Ball elevated Simon to now be considered one of the most prolific modern day composers and arrangers for brass and wind instrumentation, working regularly on commissions for some of the world’s greatest ensembles.
Composing and arranging for many worldwide publishers, Simon has over 400 titles published with his works regularly being featured on CDs, radio and television and in two very successful movies; Brassed Off and The Full Monty.
A tuba player with some of the most influential bands such as Britannia Building Society, Yorkshire Building Society and Wingates, Simon was also a member of the prolific James Shepherd Versatile Brass and has regularly performed with some of the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Manchester based Hallé Orchestra.
Such has been the demand for Simon’s talents he has lived and worked in England, Scotland, Scandinavia and New Zealand, performing, composing and conducting ensembles such as The Trusts Waitakere Brass Band and the Auckland Philharmonia.
Simon was also appointed Director of the Sentinal Auckland Brass Academy and National Schools Band of New Zealand, before returning to live in England in 2007.
Tabby Clegg BA (Hons)
Born in Yorkshire and raised in Kent, Tabby Clegg (née Hall) began her musical tuition under the guidance of her late father, composer, conductor and Director of Music Philip ‘Pip’ Hall.
Tabby was a music scholar at the world famous Benenden School before continuing her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Junior Department and Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
A former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) Tabby was the recipient of the prestigious Dennis Wright Award in 1996.
Performing for several top bands and ensembles, Tabby was appointed Principal Cornet and Band Manager of the Yorkshire Co-op Brass Band in 1998 and has organised several projects and tours for the band, including tours to France, Switzerland, Singapore and New Zealand. Tabby is also a founder member of Expressivo Brass.
Whilst studying at the RNCM under John Hudson, Roger Webster, Howard Snell, Martin Winter and Murray Greig, Tabby developed a keen interest in arts media and ever since has pursued her career within the industry in both journalism and publicity. Writing for several journals including British Bandsman, Brass Band World and Leeds Life, Tabby has also been editor of The Conductor and The Senior magazines and works freelance in publicity and marketing, mainly for arts organisations.
Alongside writing and performing, Tabby works within the music education field and is keen to encourage more people to take up playing brass instruments. In 2008 Tabby joined forces with Simon Kerwin to develop Mode For.... a unique series of teaching methods for brass and woodwind players. As well as the tutor books, Tabby and Simon are continually working on ways to develop Mode For.... into a market leader in musical education.