Tuba player Tommy joins top band

Tuba player Tommy Tynan - at 18 the youngest member of Grimethorpe Band

TOP tuba player Tommy Tynan is pitting his musical talents alongside the best in the world.

At 18 Tommy, from Springhead, is now the youngest member of the legendary Grimethorpe Colliery Band. The former Saddleworth School student was spotted by Grimethorpe’s director of music Dr Robert Childs - also chairman of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, for which Tommy is currently principal Bb tuba player.

“I was only meant to be helping out the band to cover for a friend,” said Tommy, from Cooper Street, who began his musical journey with Dobcross Band on drums and cornet.

“But when he left, the band offered me the position. To be able to play with that calibre of musician was something I couldn’t refuse. I accepted straight away. I’m delighted - Grimethorpe is one of the best brass bands in the world. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

He will join the band on a two-week tour of Australia in the summer and at the finals off the National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

Dr Childs said: “I have watched Tommy’s progress throughout his time with the national youth brass band. I’m wholly confident in his abilities and his potential to become a truly great Bb bass player at Grimethorpe.”