Alan, a former bass trombome player, spent 6 years at Black Dyke, followed by five years with Versatile Brass. He left them to become a player with the Sid Lawrence Orchestra and the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra. Alan has played with many great names over the years and has been on tour with artists such as The Three Degrees and Shirley Bassey.

In addition Alan has also taught music professionally at Bury Grammar Schools and Barnsley Music College. He has a wealth of experience as a conductor having been resident of Rochdale, Whitworth, Blackburn & Darwen Bands as well as Marsden Band where he led them through from 3rd Section to Championship Section in less than 5 years.