Simon comes from a brass-playing family, and began playing Baritone at the age of 4, in Astley Youth Training Band, initially having lessons at home with his mum Helen, Head of Brass, Bolton Music Service. At the age of 6 he passed his Grade 1 exam. By the age of 8 he was Solo Euphonium player with Astley Youth Training Band, and Bolton Intermediate Brass Band. He discovered the Tenor Trombone at the age of 9, and the Bass Trombone at the age of 10, and quickly fell in love with it, having always had a passion for low sounds! He had lessons at school with Dave Little (Bass Trombonist, and brass teacher, Wigan ITP), and at Bolton Music Centre with Richard Broomhead (Bass Trombonist, and brass teacher, Bolton Music Service). Soon after, he began playing Bass Trombone with Astley Youth Band, Bolton Youth Brass Band and Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra, and won 1st prize on numerous occasions at the West Pennine Music Festival, and other local solo competitions. At the age of 10, Simon applied for a place at Chetham's School of Music, and was accepted to study Trombone, Euphonium and Piano, starting in September 2001. He studied with Kevin Price, Principal Trombone, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, for 2 years, and has since studied with Les Storey, legendary freelancer, and Bass Trombonist with English National Ballet.

Simon has developed as a musician at an astonishing rate. At the age of 11, he won a place in the National Children's Orchestra, and in 2003 and 2004 - 2 years in a row, he was awarded their top prize - the Liz Rorison Award for making an outstanding contribution to the NCO. In 2004 he was appointed to the position of Principal Bass Trombone, National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain, a seat he held for 2 years. In May 2005, shortly after passing his Grade 8 Bass Trombone Exam with Distinction, he was appointed to the Bass Trombone chair at Besses o'th Barn Band, and was accepted into the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Simon is now working towards a diploma on the Bass Trombone. In addition to this, he has continued to work hard at his Euphonim playing, studying with Bill Millar, and passing his Grade 7 exam with Distinction in July 2005. Simon, now 15, hopes to continue his studies at Chetham's until the end of 6th form in 2008, and then to study either at the RNCM, or one of the major London colleges. He stated his long-term ambition at the age of 10 - to become an Orchestral Bass Trombonist.

Simon is delighted to join Fodens Band, and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.