Brian Kelly – Bass Trombone

November 2003 – Present

Born into a Salvation Army banding family, Brian began to play aged 8 on tenor horn with the Bolton Daubhill Salvation Army Band where he was taught by his father and by the bandmaster, John Winnard. He also joined the school band, and aged 12, the Bolton Youth Brass Band. 

When he was 14 Brian moved on to the bass trombone and also joined the Bolton Youth Orchestra, with which he undertook 2 visits to Paderborn in Germany. 

In 1979 Brian joined Farnworth Old Band (now Farnworth & Walkden Band) and as a student was a member of the Manchester University Brass Ensemble before returning to the Salvation Army at Bolton Citadel. Apart from a brief stay with Cambridge SA band Brian stayed with Bolton Citadel until 1992 when he joined Blackburn SA Band. Whilst with Blackburn Brian travelled to many parts of the country and also toured Portugal, Jersey and Berlin.  Brian has been a member of Flixton Band since November 2003.   Highlights of his time with Flixton so far include winning the 2017 2nd section North West Area contest, playing at three National Finals, and taking part in the World Music Championships at Kerkrade in the Netherlands in 2022.