John's first experience of brass playing was in the Boys' Brigade in Belfast, and he was Principal Cornet with the 55th Old Boys' Band and Templemore Band before moving abroad with work in 1997.

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After a break from banding he was a founder member of Singapore Brass Society Band and then of Lion City Brass Band where he served as Principal Cornet until returning to the UK in early 2018. While in Singapore, John also performed with the Desford Colliery Band during their 2011 Asian Tour.

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John joined Blidworth Welfare Band as their Principal Cornet in April 2018.

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