Biography: Joel Cooper

>> British Trumpet Consort > Trumpet

Joel began playing the cornet at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ian Brownbill, formerly of the Black Dyke Mills Band. He attended a Saturday morning music centre in St Helens, studying with Andrew McDonald (Wingates Brass Band). After a few years, Joel became a member of the Haydock Brass Band.

From here Joel progressed, both from the cornet to the trumpet, and from local to national ensembles, as a member of, firstly, The National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, and then, the highly prestigious National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, playing with them at the BBC proms twice.

At the age of 16, Joel won a place at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester for sixth form. Here Joel studied Trumpet with Gareth Small and John Dickinson. While at Chet’s Joel performed at the International Trumpet Guild concert in Manchester Cathedral (2002).

He has performed with ensembles across the North and beyond, working with such eminent conductors as Mark Elder, Sir Simon Rattle, Colin Davis and Jac Van Steen. In 2003, Joel was awarded scholarships to both the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Joel chose to stay in Manchester at the RNCM where he studied with Rhys Owens, Principal Trumpet of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He was privileged to spend a term of his course at the CNSMD (Conservatoire National Superieur de la Musique et de la Danse) in Lyon where he studied with the world famous Trumpet soloist Thierry Caens and the Principal Trumpet of Lyon National Opera, Christian Légére. At the RNCM Joel became a member of the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Brass Band, ‘Hooper’ Ten Piece, and New Ensemble, as well as forming and playing in the Phoenix Brass Quintet and Celestial Duo.

Joel graduated in December 2007 and currently enjoys freelancing with regional Orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Northern Chamber Orchestra, and Hull Philharmonic. He performs regularly, as a soloist, and with various small ensembles for weddings, recitals, and other functions. He has been involved in professional and amateur shows across the region, most notably, starring as cornet/ trumpet soloist in a new musical called ‘King Cotton’ written by Jimmy McGovern (‘Lowry Productions’).