Richard Poole

Richard first picked up the trumpet at the age of seven which, thanks to the tutorage of David Swanson and David Maplestone at the Sandwell Music Service, led to a lifelong passion. His brass band career followed soon after with the Langley Youth Brass Band at the age of eleven; in 1995 the senior band was the natural progression and it was at this point Richard made the change to Bb Cornet. These formative years led to Richard joining the Sovereign Brass Band on the Repiano seat, before being accepted to study at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) with Brian Taylor in September 2000. 

An impromptu lesson in 2002 with the Foden’s Band’s Principal Cornet Mark Wilkinson, led to Richard being invited down for an audition with the band. After performing in a number of high-profile concerts, Richard accepted the position on the Solo Cornet line. Following many successful years on the front row, Richard was given the opportunity to move onto the Soprano seat in 2010 which he accepted without hesitation. The role led to many unforgettable moments, none more so than the double in 2012 where he was the proud recipient of the solo prize for his performance in ‘Daphnis and Chloe’. In twenty years with the Foden’s Band, just some of the other highlights have included three British Open titles, three National titles, fourteen North West Area Championships and three All England Masters Championship titles. 

Bringing music to the community remains a strong part of Richard's life. Outside of Foden's Band, Richard is currently the Faculty Leader of the Arts at Little Lever School in Bolton and he tutors on the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and Armagh Summer School courses.