Biography: Steph Conway

>> Phoenix Brass Quintet > Trombone

Stephanie grew up in the village of Northop in North Wales and began playing the Trombone at the age of eight. As her playing rapidly progressed she became a member of the Northop Silver Band, quickly establishing her place as principal Trombone for the Championship section outfit.

During her time in North Wales, Stephanie was invited to be part of many County ensembles, such as the North Wales Youth Orchestra and Flintshire County Wind Band, with whom she toured to Paris.

In 2004 Stephanie was accepted into the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and currently holds the Principal Trombone position. She is also principal Trombone with the National Youth Symphonic Brass Wales, with whom she has performed at the opening ceremony of the National Assembly of Wales with the Queen and other royalty in attendance. Stephanie is also an active member of the National Youth Symphonic Brass Wales quintet, performing at many high profile concerts.

In 2005 Stephanie accepted her place at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) to study the Trombone with Christopher Houlding, Principal Trombone Opera North, Robert Holiday, Principal Trombone of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Andrew Berryman, Principal Trombone of the Halle Orchestra. To date she has performed with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, New Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble and Brass Band.

At the recent 2007 Manchester International Festival, Stephanie performed in a three-night production at the Manchester Opera house as a member of the show’s orchestra.

Other prestigious events include a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of the 2007 prom season, performing in a fanfare alongside fellow RNCM students and members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This performance preceded a mass brass prom concert in which Stephanie also participated.

Stephanie is currently in her third year of study at the RNCM and can often be seen performing with various amateur orchestras around the North/North-West. She became a member of Phoenix Brass in March 2007.