Meet The Band

Upon being appointed as musical director, Ben said, “With the Hammonds Band, I have been very fortunate to enjoy years of playing at many prestigious contests and concerts, in some amazing venues around the country. The best part for me though, was the amazing team spirit within the band. I think it’s too rare now to find a band where every player has total commitment, whilst also enjoying a great social atmosphere. This attitude is something that I would now like to bring home. I am looking forward to taking Skelmersdale through the next chapter of its amazing history; it’s great to conduct William Rimmer’s former band.

— Ben Coulson, 2018

Musical Director - Ben Coulson

Influenced by his parents, whom both played in various brass bands in the local area, Ben first started to learn the cornet at Skelmersdale Prize Band. Following a successful four years of contesting and performing in events in the local area, Ben left the principal cornet seat to play for the acclaimed Blackburn and Darwen Band, where he held the Flugel seat.

In 2013, Ben moved to Huddersfield to study for his degree in Music, under the tutelage of legendary cornet player and conductor Dr Phillip McCann. Upon his move to Huddersfield, Ben was invited to join the Hammonds Band (formerly the YBS Band). In his time there, Ben enjoyed participating at the Grand Shield on two occasions, along with taking part in many competitions including the British Open, the National Finals and Brass in Concert.

Since returning to Skelmersdale and taking over as Musical Director, the band have had one of their most successful periods. Since August 2018, the band have recruited some excellent players, taken part in new events and been promoted to the 2nd section. Ben's efforts to deliver enjoyable and hard-working rehearsals is loved by the members of the band and plans a great balance of traditional and innovative concert repertoire.

  • Principal Cornet - James Ball

    Tutti Cornet - Liz Hemmingway

    Tutti Cornet - Sara Miller

    Tutti Cornet - Paula Brockbank

  • Soprano Cornet - Kenny Pain

    Repiano Cornet - Jen Littlehales

    2nd Cornet - Andrew Watkinson

    2nd Cornet - Melissa Taylor

    3rd Cornet - Chris Thorpe

    3rd Cornet - Steven Gee

  • Flugel - Ellen Galbraith

    Solo Horn - Gemma Rowlands

    1st Horn - Steve Boreham

    2nd Horn - John Dickinson

  • Solo Euphonium - Ste Gordon

    2nd Euphonium - Karen Hickey

    Solo Baritone - Kira Roberts

    2nd Baritone - Tom Norris

  • Solo Trombone - Eddie Webb

    2nd Trombone - David Brown

    2nd Trombone - Neil Walsh

    Bass Trombone - Darren Samuel

  • EEb Bass - Mike Scotson

    EEb Bass - Jack Holt

    BBb Bass - JP Coulson

    BBb Bass - Bill Overmire

  • Richie Maguire

    Chris Krelle

    Josh Garth

    Pippa Samuel

  • James Beecham

    Brooke Taylor

    Mark Taylor

    Louise Molyneux