Born: Newport Pagnell. Buckinghamshire

Studied: I studied timpani and percussion at The Royal Academy of Music (1979-83) where I obtained my LRAM Teachers and Performers Diploma. I then worked as a freelance player for ten years before joining The Sinfonia.

Joined: 1993

Favourite piece of music: There is a lot of good music I listen to and get to play, and I wouldn’t want to favour one piece above another. I do enjoy playing Stravinsky’s ballet music which can be quite challenging, but very exciting and full of energy.

First ballet or concert you saw:Stan Kenton’s Big Band at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club back in 1975. This was my first live introduction to Big Band jazz music and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Why a percussionist? When I was 14 years old, percussion was chosen for me. I was brought up in the Salvation Army and was stationed with my family around this time at Chalk Farm corps near Camden Town London. The brass band didn’t have a drummer so the Band Master asked me if I would like to fill the role. A bit daunting, learning to play on the job. But I convinced myself, with plenty of encouragement, that playing percussion was going to be my profession. Being a percussionist you get to play a vast array of instruments in all styles of music.

Favourite ballet to play: Petrushka by Stravinsky. This was the first ballet I played in back in 1984, when I started working as an extra with what was then The Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet.

Most challenging piece of music to play: I find that most pieces of music I have to play these days present a challenge – especially the new commissioned ballet scores. It requires a lot of private practice before you even start rehearsing with the orchestra.

Alternative career: Historian – History was my favourite subject at school.

Most challenging non-musical thing you have done: Public speaking. I’ve been a Best Man twice and rehearsed my speeches numerous times in front of a mirror.