Steve started playing in 1978 whilst a pupil at Chuter Ede School in South Shields . His teacher at this time was Tom Young, a Salvationist tuba player from Monkwearmouth citadel in Sunderland .Tom invited Steve to attend the South Tyneside Schools Brass scheme (STBBS), where he met (amongst others), Les Palmer and a young soprano player – Yvonne Gray, who was later to become his wife.

In 1980 he joined the Boldon Colliery band (4 th section), with guidance from Bill English and George Rowell. The band was just starting to take off after several years in the doldrums. Bill put Steve’s name forward to audition for the NYBB, and in the Easter of 1981 he passed the entry audition. 1982 saw Steve sign for the Harton and Westoe Colliery band (2 nd section) and a re-acquaintance with Les Palmer. This year saw the band win the area contest, an appearance at the national finals and promotion to the Championship section. Whilst in London for the national finals, Steve played in the massed bands concert with the NYBB under the direction of Ray Farr.

Late 1983 saw Steve joining the bass section at the Ever Ready band, sitting in a section of stalwart band members – Jim McNestry, Dave Carr and Alan Mortimer. Steve had great time with the band and enjoyed many contest successes under the batons of Eric Cunningham and Major Parkes. In 1990 Steve took over the resident conductors’ job at one of his previous bands – Boldon Colliery, combining full time playing at Ever Ready and full time conducting at Boldon. During his time at Boldon, the bands competed at the National finals five times, and were promoted to the Championship section for the first time in their history.

1997 saw Steve take over the resident conductors post at the Ever Ready band, a position which he still holds today in addition to his bass playing responsibilities. He is married to Yvonne (soprano cornet player with the Felling band), and has two daughters – Amy and Kate. Stephen is widely regarded as one of the top conductors in the North of England and his services are in constant demand.