Ibstock Brick Brass are extremely proud to announce the appointment of young talented musician, Luke Atkinson, as their new Musical Director.
Luke, 27, comes from a brass band family and was given a cornet at the age of four. He achieved his grade four exam of playing by the age of 12 and it was at this point Luke joined Hathern Youth Band. During this time, it was decided that he was too big for the cornet and was given a bass to try. He’s never looked back since.
At the age of 14 Luke was given the opportunity to join his first senior band, Ibstock Brick Brass on Eb Bass. This was down to his mum Carole, who is the band’s present flugal player, who took him down for a blow and continued to guide him through his musical career.
Luke joined Oddfellows Brass Band to compete in one of the biggest contests in the brass band calendar, the National Finals at Harrogate. Whilst at Oddfellows at the age of 16 Luke won the best soloist prize at the West Midlands Brass Band Association Contest for his Eb Bass solo in Journey into Freedom. From this Luke was offered a place at John Cleveland College where he studied his A Levels. During his college days Luke joined Wigston Band under the direction of Gary Sleath who nurtured him through his playing and enabled him to play for Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, including a tour of Prague.
In 2014 Luke received a scholarship to study Tuba at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and joined Staffordshire Brass Band under the conductor of his good friend David Purkiss. Luke has enjoyed a highly successful career as a Bass player in some of the most prestigious brass bands in the Midlands. Notably, he spent two successful years with the GUS Band and a brief period with the Desford Colliery Band before finding his place with the Ratby Band. His
musical prowess also led him to dep with other renowned bands as a guest, including Tredegar, Flowers, and Fodens.Luke’s passion for conducting flourished during his time at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. There, he gained experience leading various student-led ensembles, laying the foundation for his conducting career.
Presently, he continues to nurture his talent as a conductor in his day job with the Nottingham Music Hub, where he guides and directs various ensembles. Notably, he has been able to conduct the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra for various pieces, leaving a positive mark on aspiring young musicians. Luke said “I am thrilled to accept the post of musical director for the Ibstock Brick Brass Band. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with this talented group of musicians, excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in taking the band forward.”
“The band are extremely excited and positive to have Luke at the helm, with his inspirational musicianship the band are looking forward to new and exciting times with this young conductor of the future"
