Shannon is one of the founding trustees of Crofton Music Trust. Although her professional career is in STEM, Shannon brings a wealth of musical experience to the board.

She has played the cornet for over 20 years, in wind and brass ensembles, and has both played and helped tutor younger players in youth organisations in the past.

Shannon believes that music is a key way to bring people together despite their differences, and is deeply committed to making music accessible to people from all walks of life. She is proud to have the opportunity to work with an organisation that aims to remove barriers from music.

Allen has been a member of Crofton Silver Band since 1969. He started playing the cornet with encouragement from his elder brother Derek, also a member of Crofton Silver Band. He was also one of three members to form the Crofton Junior Band in 1995, when himself, Colin Slassor and Roger Hine decided to form the Junior Band with a view to help bring in young players for the senior band, this was a very successful period for the Junior band being able to compete in the National youth championships. With this in mind Allen is very positive of the benefits that an organisation like the Crofton Music Trust can bring to the wider brass band world. Allen has also been the Treasurer of Crofton Silver Band for the past 25 Years.

Nigel Brookes is secretary to the Trustees, who is married and a grandad of four. He was a newspaper reporter for just under 40 years in West Yorkshire. Nigel followed his children’s footsteps into the old Crofton Junior Band and then the Silver Band. He first touched a brass instrument when he turned 50 and hasn’t looked back! Nigel knows that no one is either too young or too old to have their life changed by music

Jo is a trustee of Crofton Music Trust. An education professional working across specialist and inclusive education, she brings extensive experience of inclusive practice and a strong understanding of safeguarding.

Her professional background, alongside her experience as a mum of two, has strengthened her belief that opportunities to be part of a local brass band should be open to everyone. Jo has played in brass bands throughout her adult life, and through local bands and musical groups has met her husband and built many lifelong friendships.

Jo was drawn to Crofton Music Trust because of its ethos and values. She is passionate about ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to the same opportunities and sense of community that brass bands gave her. She believes it is our responsibility to remove barriers and create a genuinely inclusive environment in which children can learn, thrive and belong.

Andy has been an integral part of the Crofton musical community for over 30 years, beginning his journey as a member of the Crofton Junior Band. Having experienced nearly every facet of the local music scene since then, he was delighted to accept the role of Trustee for the newly formed Crofton Music Trust.

Andy credits his time in Crofton with providing unique opportunities and experiences he wouldn’t have found elsewhere. He is now passionate about paying that forward, focusing on the further development of music within this Yorkshire community and ensuring those same opportunities reach an even wider local audience.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher across West and South Yorkshire, Andy has seen firsthand the profound joy and boost in confidence that comes from mastering a musical skill and performing as part of a group.

Tracy started playing the cornet at 9 years old when a tutor came into school and said do you want to miss PE and play an instrument! She jumped at the chance to get out of PE! This changed her whole life journey. Tracy is now 51 and has met so many friends through brass banding, including her husband.

Tracy was a player and band secretary of Frickley/South Elmsall band for over twenty years so she brings a vast amount of knowledge to the trust to ensure its growth and development in the local banding community.

Tracy believes that it is extremely important to have this facility accessible to all because music is a great way to be part of a team and an excellent way to look after your mental health.