Billy is a brass instrumentalist who specialises in orchestral lower brass. They started learning aged 9 on the baritone horn, eventually moving to trombone and euphonium and achieving grade 8 on both.
Billy graduated from Durham University in 2022 with a 2:1 in BA Music, then furthered their studies at the University of Bristol, graduating with an MA in Composition for Film and Television in 2024.
Billy has performed in a wide range of ensembles across the UK and abroad, including orchestras, brass bands, theatre orchestras and jazz ensembles. A West Sussex Music alumnae, Billy played with the West Sussex Youth Orchestras and other WSM ensembles for over five years in a stint which included two international tours and speciality across four instruments.
After graduating from WSM to head to university, Billy landed the principal trombone position for Durham University Orchestral Society. They were later appointed conductor of the university’s brass band, leading them to third place in the UniBrass contest’s Shield Section in 2022. They also joined one of the university’s premier jazz bands on trombone, playing gigs across the North East as well as a tour to Prague.
Following their time in Durham, Billy moved to Bristol and continued paying in an eclectic mix of student and local ensembles alongside their MA studies. Billy is currently playing second trombone in Horsham Symphony Orchestra and plays tuba with Slinfold Concert Band.
Billy built up their ensemble leadership skills during their time as a WSM student and began formally teaching during their time at university. After moving back to West Sussex following university, Billy taught music through one-to-one lessons and band sessions with smaller music schools across the South East.
Billy is delighted to be joining West Sussex Music again as a teacher and is eager to instil in their students the same passion for music WSM gave them as a student.