Musical Director

Name: Thomas Pitts

Occupation: Teacher

Position: Musical Director

Date joined: 1998

Previous bands: Grange Moor Brass Band, Knottingley Silver Band, Skelmanthorpe, Meltham & Meltham Mills, Drighlington

Favourite piece of music: In Pursuit Of Happiness by The Divine Comedy. 

Best Banding Moment: I just love creating and playing music! Helping Knottingley Silver reach 2nd at the 2014 Yorkshire Area (Second Section) contest was particularly memorable, however.

Player History:

I discovered my passion for music when I started playing the violin at the age of 8 during my time at a primary school in Leeds. Prior to that, I had experimented with several other instruments such as the clarinet, cornet, and recorder. However, I found that blowing into instruments wasn’t quite my forte, and I developed a stronger affinity for stringed instruments like the violin.

As I progressed through high school, I continued to explore my musical abilities and ventured into playing the guitar and piano – although I was never very good at either!

In addition to my stringed instrument pursuits, I also found myself drawn to percussion. This interest led me to join the Grange Moor Brass Band, where I currently play percussion. Initially, I joined the band after they were in need of a percussionist, and I discovered my knack for hitting things at the back.

Being a part of the Grange Moor Brass Band has presented me with exciting opportunities, including participating in various brass band contests alongside the aforementioned bands. It has been an exhilarating journey that has allowed me to showcase my musical skills and grow as a musician.

Interesting fact: I have only ever had one percussion lesson in my life.