Biography: Tom Kwaterski

>> British Trumpet Consort > Trumpet

Tom is from a brass band background and was first introduced to the cornet aged 9, studying under trombonist Dave Heyward of the Shropshire Music Service. Joining the Shropshire Youth Brass Band, Tom soon progressed to Principal Cornet where he led the band on several European tours and National competitions. Whilst still at school Tom was invited to join the Jackfield Elcock Reisen Band, where he enjoyed many years of successful concerting and competing in the Champion Section against some of the finest Brass Bands in the country.

It was at the age of 14 that Tom was introduced to teacher Andrew Stone-Fewings (Principal Trumpet of the Royal Shakespeare Company). After tutoring him through his grade 8 cornet, it was Andrew’s fine playing that inspired Tom to make the change to trumpet. Progressing quickly, Tom was soon recommended to the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, where he progressed to Principal Trumpet, performing in top concert halls around the country. It was through this organisation that Tom was introduced to RNCM teaching staff John Miller and James Gourlay, playing for them in a public master-class. John invited Tom to come up to Manchester for occasional lessons before eventually coming to the RNCM to study as an undergraduate.

Since arriving at college Tom has been a member of the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, New Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Wind Orchestra and Brass Band. External employment has seen Tom play in a variety of musical environments. He has worked with some of the world's leading brass bands including the Black Dyke Band, Brighouse + Rastrick Band and the Fairey Band. With a keen interest in Musicals, Tom has enjoyed working amongst top professionals in a range of productions such as West Side Story, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Thoroughly Modern Millie, A Chorus Line and Joseph. Orchestral work has seen Tom appear with such ensembles as the Stockport Symphony Orchestra and Lancashire Chamber Orchestra and he looks forward to making his ‘Proms’ debut, performing Janacek’s Sinfonietta with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra in July.

Tom is currently in his 3rd year at the Royal Northern College of Music and studies with Rhys Owens (Principal Trumpet RLPO).