Daren Blake

Soprano Cornet

Banding History

Daren started playing at the age of twelve with Park High School Band in Colne, Lancashire. He was asked to join the band because his neighbour had.

When joining Daren was told a trombone was available, but upon turning up to collect his instrument he was presented with a Soprano Cornet and has never looked back since.

During his time with the school band, Daren had the opportunity to get out of Maths once a week to have lessons with Peter Read (cornet playing legend), whom along with the school music teacher must take a lot of credit for his development as a Soprano player. Peter also invited him to join the Lancashire Youth Brass set up of which he was a proud member for twelve years.

Other bands Daren has played for (some notably longer than others) since leaving school have been as follows: - Colne, Barnoldswick, Stacksteads, Freckleton, Lancashire Constabulary, Haslingden & Helmshore, Eatons Farnworth and Moston & Beswick.

Daren says that the best period of his playing career so far (besides with Drighlington) has definitely been his time with Moston conducted by Rob Taylor. This was during a "purple patch" for the band when every contest entered seemed to result in a prize and quick progress into the First Section.

Professional

Darren works as a Contract Aerospace Designer.

Hobbies

Cycling and messing about with his Lotus Seven replica.