Simon Oliver

Simon Oliver was born in Peterborough. Before moving to Greater Manchester Simon played percussion for Stanford Brass, National Methodist Youth Brass Band and a Motown Tribute Band. He has enjoyed many performances and tours with these groups. In 2009 Simon moved to Salford to study at the University gaining a First Class honours degree in BA Music and claiming the Roy Newsome Conducting Award in 2012 and the VC’s bursary for an MA in composition. While at University Simon was appointed MD for shows such as Sweeney Todd, Fame, Nine, Beauty and the Beast. He Created the Disco Brass 10 piece group which recently performed at the 2013 Creative Arts Festival held at Media City. Since graduating from the his degree Simon has guest conducted with National Methodist Youth Brass Band, Drogheda Brass Band, Wingates bands and a brass quintet for the BBC drama ‘The Village’. Simon has been involved in teaching at the International Brass Band Summer School in Swansea and at Summer Sounds in Drogheda, Ireland. As a composer Simon has had many works performed at the Mineworkers Festival in Butlins and at venues in Ireland, Italy and Japan. He has been comissioned to write for the 2013 Salford Graduation Ceremonies at the Lowry Theatre and had the premiere of his solo “One Small Step” by Black Dyke’s principal euphonium Gary Curtin. As a player he is in demand and has depped and recorded with Leyland, Faireys, Hammonds Saltaire and Wingates bands. Simon has also appeared as guest soloist for bands in Ireland and Italy. Simon is currently studying for an MA in composition at the University of Salford and has performed with a function band Jukebox and the Black Dyke Brass Band. E - MAIL : [email protected]