Mike Fox: Solo Euphonium

Mike recently moved to Cheshire from his homeland in Scotland and was very surprised and happy to be offered the chance to play with a Yorkshire Championship section band, but still a bit puzzled why a more local player hadn't taken up the post.

It wasn't till his first rehearsal, where he found himself in the direct line of fire of the two main contenders for the shortest, loudest note competition (Jones and Porthouse!) - that he realised why this was the most unpopular seat in banding. To Mike's credit he persevered, even though every band night he had to drive home, all the way to Wilmslow, in tears from the pain, then cry himself to sleep on his drenched pillow, soaked in the blood running from his ears.

Mike decided to fight back and he had the perfect weapon - his trusty assistant at that time and section volume control Robin! Robin is the only Euph player in the world with true Dolby surround sound, complete with built in 5 megawatt 'woofer' system. One nod from Mike and Robin would create a low frequency sonic force field around the Euph section which would send Porthouse and Jones's best shots ricocheting round the band hall. (Note from ED. Robin has now moved on to pastures new and we now have John Smith taking second Euph)

The MD has since curbed the 'enthusiasm' of the Principal cornet and Solo Trombone player's before a loose note takes someone's eye out. Robin has had his main slide confiscated by the Council as he was causing structural damage throughout the Huddersfield area - even without it, he's still the loudest Euph player in the world!

Mike is now very happy at Pennine, his hearing is almost back to normal.

Mike's favourite drink -Lager
Mike's favourite food - Lager
Mike's true love - Lager
Mike's favourite phrase - More lager for Mike!

[Profile by Mike, February 2002]