After a long association as Principal Cornet player with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Alan then held a similar position with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. Now their Musical Director, Alan is also a freelance conductor, soloist and adjudicator. He is also a founder member of the widely acclaimed brass group, SONAR Brass which is a brass band based quintet.
He continues to be in great demand as a soloist having travelled the world appearing in Australia several times, extensively in Europe and to the USA as well as the length and breadth of Great Britain featuring in many festivals and gala concerts including the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. An experienced music examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools Music he also visits educational establishments giving recitals, masterclasses and external examining, and has adjudicated brass band contests at all levels at home and abroad.
His conducting career has been very successful since his first appointment at the age of 17, with several bands rising through the sections under his guidance and frequent appearances as Guest Conductor with several famous bands. Alan has recorded seven solo albums and pioneered a teaching video that has proven very successful. He also regularly features on light music recordings for the BBC with various ensembles including big bands and orchestras.
There are several compositions and arrangements published for brass band by Alan that have also proven very popular and all are still available, some of the titles becoming best sellers, such as "Buster Strikes Back" and "Sugar Blues". In addition to this Alan won the Fodens Richardson award for new arrangements with his stunning version of "Over the Rainbow". Alan was appointed Musical Advisor of Camborne Youth Band in 2004 and works with the band several times a year in preparation for contests, concerts and recordings.