Helen Marcroft: Solo Cornet

Helen joined Pennine Brass in September 2002 when she began her studies in
music at The University of Huddersfieldand has sat on just about every cornet seat bar “The End Chair”… as it really would mean the end for both her and the band!! Having played principal cornet with Rochdale Youth Band for 6 years, Helen had lessons with Ian Porthouse and was therefore destined for an opportunity to play for Pennine Brass, along with fellow ex-Rochdalians Nathan, Liz and Matthew!

Helen is now a Newly Qualified Teacher of Music and has recently began teaching the Wider Opportunities Scheme at various primary schools in the Calderdale area, which involves teaching the trumpet to 30 children at a time. Thankfully, she is able to cope with both the noise and chaos because, as yet, there hasn’t been one lesson that comes close the noise and chaos of PB rehearsals!!

Helen lives with boyfriend and super-star, flugel-player Craig Whitehead who is the MD’s resident Golden Boy. She likes to spend most of her time trying to stitch him up in rehearsals but is beginning to realise that she simply cannot compete with the affections between him and Ian Porthouse.

Helen is now looking forward to having a regular income and therefore being able to buy food that isn’t from the Bargain Bin at Tesco or the Sale Rack in New Look.

FACT FILE:

Best Banding Moment:    Leanne Porthouse accompanying two little fat kids fighting in Bruges, with the theme music from Rocky!!!
Worst Banding Moment: Sitting next to the toilet on the bus home from the Nationals.
Loves:   Competing with Craig for IP’s affections.
Hates:   The she never wins.