My association with Gareth Small and his father, Tony, has been long and fruitful. I first played with Gareth over 30 years ago, when he was Principal of West Glamorgan Youth Brass Band and I was a lowly bottom third cornet. Since then I have performed with him in many different ensembles, from big bands to the Hallé Orchestra, and I have always admired his virtuosity and versatility.

CT: What influences led you to pursuing a career in music and how did your background shape your musical outlook?

GS: My Dad and Grandfather both played the trumpet. Having studied music at Cardiff and trumpet at the Royal Academy in London, my Dad later taught brass and woodwind in West Glamorgan, where he also conducted Penclawdd Brass Band and taught me for over ten years. Playing in Penclawdd, listening to and getting involved in all the music West Glamorgan had to offer was definitely the biggest influence for me. Before leaving Wales to study at the Royal Academy, I had the opportunity to play in big bands, wind bands, brass bands and orchestras, including the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

CT: Given your experiences of brass bands, what are your perceptions of the movement today?

GS: I still keep an interest in banding; the orchestral world is full of ex-banders. The Hallé trumpet, trombone and tuba section, without exception, all started in a brass band, it's the best all round grounding there is! For an amateur movement, the standard of the top bands is still extremely high. The difficulty is attracting young players into banding as there is, unfortunately, less music being taught in our schools.

CT: What does your appointment as Black Dyke’s Artist-in-Association entail?

GS: So far, this has involved concerto performances with the band in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall and The Sage Gateshead. The position will include solo performances, recording projects, master classes and workshops with the band and Yorkshire Youth Band. I've taught for over 20 years and, hopefully, my experiences will help players young and old.

CT: You have been at the Hallé for 23 years - what is the secret of staying at the top of your game for so long?