meet the band
VINCE GALLEY
Musical Director
I am the Head of Music at Reddish Vale High School in Stockport and have been teaching music for 26 years. I love directing choirs, jazz bands as well as producing musicals. I studied music at Huddersfield University majoring in composition. I play piano and have dabbled on many instruments including trombone, drums and guitar and have been known to sing occasionally if no one is about! My love of music means I also play in a function Band ‘The Smuggling Budgies’ and conduct the Astra Zeneca choir in Macclesfield.
I have been the Musical Director for Cheshire 20 Big Band for the past few years and absolutely love it. They are a fantastic bunch and it is an honour and a privilege to conduct such a talented group of musicians. They are amazing!
GAIL STUBBS
Vocals
I’m a local girl and was born in Crewe, Cheshire. My family were all very musical so luckily it was also passed to me.
I started singing at the age of 15 and went on to take many leading roles in musical theatre productions. I was also a member of the Crewe Gangshow production team.
On gaining my musical theatre singing Diploma with the London College of Music, I went on to teach at Brine Leas School along with two theatre schools in the area, and have gained 100% pass rate on my pupils singing exams to-date. I also work as a session singer for a recording studio in Manchester.
I have been singing with the Cheshire 20 Big Band (previously known as the VCO) for over 20 years to date. The founder of the band, Geoff Seals, ran a very tight ship, which showed through his musical direction. We now have the very talented Vince Galley at the helm, he is certainly taking the band to another level.
I’ve met so many friends, far and wide, through joining this wonderful group of talented people. Long may it continue.
I feel very blessed and thankful to be part of such a fabulous big band.
Thank you Cheshire 20…….
MATT O’DONNELL
Vocals
I’ve been a resident of Nantwich since 2009, and I have to say, I absolutely love this town. It's a beautiful place with friendly people and a great sense of community.
One of the things that has really enriched my time here in Nantwich is my involvement in the local musical theatre scene. In 2010, I joined Acton Amateur Operatic Society, which was my first foray into musical theatre. I had such an incredible time performing with them, that the following year I joined Crewe Armature Musical Society. I was really starting to find my feet as a performer, and in 2012 I joined Curtain Call Company in Crewe.
Since then, I've had the pleasure of playing many different roles in a wide variety of shows. Some of my favourites have been RENT, White Christmas, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, and Grease, but there have been so many more. Each show has been a unique experience, and I've learned so much from every one of them.
One of the main highlights of my time in Nantwich has been joining the Cheshire 20 Big Band in 2015. I've always loved music, and being a part of this band has been an absolute dream come true. The quality of musicianship and professionalism is truly outstanding, and I'm so proud to be a part of it. I hope to continue singing with them for many years to come.
Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to be singing with such a wonderful big band and to be involved in such an incredible community of artists and musicians. I can't wait to see what the future holds and where the Cheshire 20 journey takes us next!
STEVE BRYANT
Saxophone
I was brought up in a very musical household with my brother playing just about every brass instrument and my mother and father playing the piano and singing - all to a high standard.
During my school years I studied piano to grade 8, oboe to grade 6 and dabbled with the violin and guitar. More recently I've passed grade 6 theory and also completed the Certificate in Teaching course from the ABRSM.
I started playing the sax in my 30s and am self-taught, benefiting greatly from the music teaching I had during my school years and the many bands I've played and gigged with.
Whilst living in Hertfordshire, I spent several years playing with Funkify - the area's premier function covers band - playing at corporate events, weddings and parties all over the country. I also played with Faultline Jazz, a St. Albans-based African-influenced blues/jazz group in pubs, restaurants and at various events. After moving to Cheshire in 2012, I joined the Cheshire 20 Big Band and more recently the Soul Brothers Syndicate. I've now played at over 400 events. I also teach saxophone (alto, tenor and baritone) both privately and at the Rhythm Foundry in Newcastle.
RUSSELL SPINK
Piano/Keyboard
I was raised in West Yorkshire and from an early age took piano lessons. I was fortunate to have two teachers. One specialised in the ‘classical’ repertoire and the other in Jazz and contemporary musical genres. I started to have clarinet lessons and this was my principal instrument during the three years in which I completed a music degree at a national music conservatoire. During this time, I was selected to join the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. ‘Jazz piano’ has always been my main interest.
I had wanted to be a classroom teacher for some time and after, gaining qualified teacher status, I worked in several high schools, as a Head of Music [Essex and Cheshire] for 23 years. I loved working in the schools and enjoyed producing musicals, conducting bands and choirs as well as other duties in my extended senior leadership roles. During this time, out of school, I played piano in a range of musical ensembles and did session work with some truly amazing musicians.
I then moved to work in Higher Education. In my current role, I am involved in initial teacher training for Ormiston Academies Trust and the National Institute of Teaching. I also contribute to a range of postgraduate education programmes at Staffordshire University.
It’s a real privilege to be a member of the Cheshire 20 Big Band. A friendly and fantastic group of wonderful musicians!
TIM WEARING
Bass Guitar
Originally from Manchester, I eventually settled in Stoke in 1996 after my love of music lead me to study music at Keele University. Initially studying Classical guitar, music theory and composition it inevitably led to the study of Blues and Jazz guitar amongst all other styles possible. I graduated with a BA Hons. in Music.
Aged 14, while studying music theory, I was asked to join Sweet Rhythm Swing Band based in Flixton, Manchester to play Bass. I did not have one, or an amp so swiftly acquired the necessary kit and quickly found a new passion in playing Bass guitar. Despite having a love of all thing’s ‘guitar’, there seemed to be a lack of good, music-reading Bass players locally which led me in to pit work and deputising across many bands in the locality; my journey to the dark side had begun.
University saw me play with the Keele University Swing Band, Warwick Big Band, and the amazing off-shoot TF Big Band, before also joining the Slow Hand Big Band in Coventry for a period; my journey to the dark side was complete! It was at Keele that I first deputised for the then VCO band, my first involvement with the band. Some twenty years later, I finally joined as a full-time member.
Currently, Cheshire 20 Big Band is my home for all things Swing and Jazz, while also being an active part of an acoustic rock outfit the Moon Reivers and the God Fathers of Soul whilst continuing to deputise wherever I’m needed.
Sadly, you’ll find me hidden at the back of the stage, so you’ll probably not see me that much unless I’m at the bar! Don’t worry though as you will definitely hear me driving the band along from the back row.
DAVID STUBBS
Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet
Before retiring I was a Biomedical Scientist in Pathology at Leighton Hospital but have always had music as an enduring hobby and passion.
Whist at school in Crewe, I learnt to read music and played the recorder. With encouragement by the music mistress, I took up the clarinet and flute and played in the Crewe Grammar School classical orchestra. My father was a big band double bass player and singer and therefore he influenced my musical taste for swing music. However, I soon developed a jazz-rock interest and was started to play the alto saxophone. I had lessons with Tommy Rimmer, who played with the Ralph Cowdall Dance Band and I was invited to play second tenor sax with them. I then had to find the funds for a tenor saxophone. I played with this band from the age of 17 for about 5 years until Ralph retired and the band folded. I also played in the occasional pit orchestra at the Lyceum Theatre.
During this time Geoff Seals, the Coop Brass Band musical director decided he would like to form a swing/Latin band mainly for concerts. He approached my father and I, and we became founder members of his band, which he called ‘The Versatile Concert Orchestra ‘(VCO). I played second tenor until Geoff retired in about 2015. The band continued under Glyn Brown-Evans for a further few years under the new and current name of the ‘Cheshire 20 Big Band’. I was able to step up to my current first tenor sax post. Now, finally, I have been able to get to play a little cool Jazz-Rock music. Yey!
I am the only founder member of the original VCO band currently in the Cheshire 20 Big Band.
IAN WALDRON
Trumpet
I joined Cheshire 20 Big Band in 1986, having played in various big bands, including the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra for a brief period. Apart from a couple of periods when I worked abroad (USA for 2 years and Sweden for 3 years), I’ve played with the band ever since. Even now, as I’ve retired to live in Herefordshire, I don’t mind the 4 hour round trip to travel to rehearsals. It’s the combination of great music and great musicians (even the trombone section! - did I say that out loud?) that makes this band so special.
STEVE DREW
Bass Trombone
I started playing the trombone when I was 11, and began to focus on the bass trombone when I was 15. Whilst growing up, any spare time was spent running around on a rugby pitch or playing
trombone for numerous regional and national youth orchestras.
After leaving school, I studied music at Huddersfield University majoring in performance. Upon returning to Staffordshire, I have been a member of many orchestras, wind ensembles, brass bands and jazz orchestras.
I currently have the privilege of playing bass trombone with the Cheshire 20 and have done so for approximately 13 years. It is great to share my love of music with my colleagues in the band who are not only fabulous musicians, but lovely people.
Away from music, I am a very proud father and husband. I am a serving Headteacher of a wonderful school in Staffordshire where I have the honour of working with amazing children, their families and our dedicated and hardworking staff every day.
DAVID JAMIESON
Trombone
I’ll always be grateful for growing up in a house full of music. My Dad and grandfather on my Mum’s side played and tutored the Bagpipes at a high level and my parents danced to Basie, Ella, Ted Heath and Harry Gold in the big venues when they were courting in Scotland. As well as the pipes, piano and trombone lessons followed. My school in Macclesfield had fantastic peri brass teachers which included Dave Cheetham, Nev Roberts and Phil Goodwin coaching me to Grade 8. I’ve played in many of the South Cheshire and North Staffs orchestras, contested with Crewe, Sale and Cheshire Police Brass bands plus depping for shows and function bands. Playing and arranging for the Bollin Brass Quintet as well as the Cheshire 20 Big Band is my main music. I joined the (then) Versatile Concert Orchestra (VCO) in1990 and have had the privilege of the company of some wonderful musicians and friends over the decades.
The Cheshire 20 Big Band, it’s musical direction and vocals is a strong as it has ever been in my time. As band librarian, I’ve been supported to build a catalogue of music that is amongst the best of any active Big Band. Playing and preserving this wonderful genre of music is pure joy.
TOM CANNON
Drums
Sneaking across the border from Staffordshire, I have been a member of the Cheshire 20 Big Band since 2019. I have been a drummer since I was 10, completed my grades whilst I was at school and then went on to study Music at Huddersfield University. Alongside my drumming, at 12 I also took up playing the piano. This quickly became my main musical focus and this is what I worked on for my degree. Since graduating, I have worked as a maths teacher in in a middle school, where I am lucky to also be involved in a lot of musical activities. The Cheshire 20 Big Band is a fantastic band to play in. It has an energetic and powerful sound.
SARAH CADDY
Alto Saxophone
I am an Optometrist in my day job but have had a passion for music for as long as I can remember.
I played the recorder since the age of seven and then I progressed to the oboe. But, with a love for jazz, that wasn't quite the right instrument for me! I swapped to the saxophone in high school and never looked back, studying to grade 8 standard and continuing to play in local bands throughout school and whilst away at university.
Once qualified and back on local soil, I was lucky enough to be invited to play with the VCO in 2001 which later became the Cheshire 20 Big Band. It's a privilege to play with such an amazing group of musicians and I have made some life-long friends.
When I'm not playing I'm kept busy with my own business, two children, four step children and I am a member of my local running club. Never a dull moment!
JOHN MAGEEAN
Baritone Saxophone
Wandering round Crewe one wintery Thursday evening in 2013, my ear caught the bouncing, swinging sound of a true, live big band. I followed the sound and sat in to watch the end of their rehearsal, with a huge smile plastered across my face.
The members were as warm and welcoming as you could imagine, and the next week I was back, sitting in the sax section. Aside from a brief hiatus (when I went to finish my studies), I have been enjoying playing with the Cheshire 20 Big Band ever since.
The variety, humour and musicianship of the C20 family is something very special indeed, making every rehearsal a joy to be a part of, and every gig a memorable thrill. The band don't sit still either, embracing bolder musical challenges all the time - keeping my brain and chops in check!
Through close friends in the band, I have had the opportunity to join a myriad of richly contrasting local groups too, helping build a life around music, which is all I've ever really wanted.
And C20 is always at the centre of it all. An institution!
RICHARD SUTTON
Trumpet
I grew up and went to school in Alsager and have lived there, on and off, all my life. I am married to Emma and we have two grown up daughters.
I started playing trumpet when I was eleven. I come from the most hopelessly musical family imaginable. This was perfect for a rebellious teenager who insisted on going to music college rather than getting a job.
I graduated from the London College of Music in 1989 and promptly stopped playing for three years. Following an unsuccessful attempt to get evicted from a Crewe Alexandra football match, I was presented with a season ticket on condition that I played the trumpet at every game. This led to eeking out a living, playing with a number of local bands and teaching brass in schools.
Peripatetic teaching revealed, unexpectedly, that most children were much more tolerable than I had been and that teaching them offered considerable job satisfaction. I trained as a primary teacher in 2001 and promptly stopped playing trumpet again for three years.
A friend persuaded me to join a local big band in 2004 and I spent six happy years playing first trumpet with them. I then became a primary headteacher in 2010 and stopped playing seriously again until a Thursday evening in April 2023 when two trombone players and a band leader walk into a pub looking for a new trumpet player. They find one in cycling gear on his second pint. I had heard the band rehearsing that night and knew a handful of them. I went straight home and started practicing. The band is a fantastic group of musicians and I have relished getting to grips with the huge catalogue they have.
ALASTAIR SANDERSON
Trombone
I stumbled across the trombone as a kid. My family is very musical and my parents initially tried me with the piano. Whilst this turned out not to be my instrument, I ploughed on to the dizzy heights of Grade 3 before having a melt down. I remember my Dad asking me if I’d like to try another instrument and I plucked the trombone out of thin air. Later, it turned out there was a big history of brass players in the family. If you’re into brass bands, a distant relation was William Rimmer, a prominent composer in that genre.
Brass banding was never for me though. The first trombone I learned on had reputedly belonged to Tommy Dorsey and this seemed to set my trajectory into the world of Big Bands and jazz.
I was lucky to have a great teacher, Les Weddell, who had spent the first part of his career in the band of the Royal Marines and later playing in a wide variety of jazz orchestras and groups. His tone was fantastic and he was a great help starting on the road of jazz improvisation.
At that time there was an excellent schools music service in Lancashire and I was fortunate enough to spend many years playing with the Lancashire Students Concert Band and enjoying tours with them to Europe and America. Over those years I went through the grades up to Grade 8 and then went on to get the ATCL diploma in trombone.
I must have been traumatised by the diploma, as shortly after that I moved away from any form of classical/concert band music and switched to the Lancashire Students Jazz Orchestra. Living near Blackpool, there was a big population of current and former professional jazz musicians and I played in many different big bands, jazz groups and theatre pit orchestras in the area. My teacher even organised a 21 trombones concert and Wigan Pier and I was lucky enough to be one of the 21.
At University I played with the University of Bristol Big Band, a blues band named Blues Peter and a group called the Jazz Funk Soul Connection.
My first job was in Manchester and I continued the big band music playing with Paul Rigby’s Northern Jazz Orchestra.
Work then took me to Australia for a year and the trombone was put on hold. Returning to the UK, I was on the look out for another band to pick it up again. Ending up in Crewe, I hunted down what was then the The Versatile Concert Orchestra (VCO) big band. Luckily for me I was invited along to a rehearsal and I’ve been playing with what has become the Cheshire 20 Big Band ever since. The band has stood the test of time and I think our current membership is the strongest line up i can remember.
It’s a privilege to play with a group of such talented musicians and the challenging arrangements are great for keeping my playing sharp. I’ve found various other local bands through friends I’ve made in the band over the years, but the C20 band remains central.
More band members appearing here soon ………