A college lecturer in music, Jan claims she is a "jack of all trades, and mistress of none"…..... (I don't think so!)

Jan has only recently returned to the world of banding after a long sabbatical (around 12 years) and Silk Brass are fortunate enough to have secured her services on

the Bass section.

She plays a variety of instruments and was originally trained on Double Bass and Clarinet, but moved over to brass after having a bet - (We'd like to know what the bet was Jan!?) She says' that she's not sure whether she won or lost, but ended up going through Uni on tuba and clarinet. But again to quote Jan;- "Being an idiot I always seem to end up on big instruments and big mouthpieces."

Following her time at university, she grauated with a BA Hons in Music; Grade 8 tuba, theory, clarinet; Grade 6 Double Bass, and yet again as Jan says "splattered a grade 5 on Trombone for some sad reason."

Jan's quite a musical talent, and has played for all sorts of music ensembles including orchestras; chamber; pit ensembles; rock bands; swing bands; wind bands and yes brass bands.

In the past she has taught lower strings; wind and brass in schools, but now spends her time in Further Education teaching Foundation Music and Performing Arts.

"I took about 12 years out of playing but I've returned, which is pretty obvious as I wouldn't be sat in Silk if I hadn't. I decided it was time to start playing again after spending so much of my working life extolling the virtues of music making, that I'd better get back to it myself. It's a great stress release and I enjoy the social side, team working and sheer physicality of playing - there again I am daft enough to be sitting on Bb bass which isn't a seat for the reserved and feint hearted.

The rest of my social life is spent socialising; walking the dog; attempting to get fit; reading and studying."