Juggling takes dexterity, concentration, skill, plus plenty of practice, and if done properly, it entertains people of all ages.

Expert

Luke Galloway is an expert at the art who combines his love of juggling with his other passion, brass banding, where he says similar attributes are required.

16 yer old Luke runs a juggling club, 'The Circus of the Absurd', as well as now becoming a fully signed up member of Harrogate Band on tenor horn (although the titles of the two organisations are not linked the band hasten to add).

Juggler

The band’s players only realised Luke’s other passion when he was spotted juggling principale cornet player Rob Illsley’s mutes minutes before going on stage at a concert: "He’s a very talented juggler — and not a bad horn player too," said Keith Graham, Harrogate Band Chairman. "It's certainly something different!"

He’s not dropped anything yet and I’m sure given half the chance he’d have a go at juggling our new B flat bassesKeith Graham, Harrogate Band

Practice

Commenting on the similarities between his two hobbies Luke told 4BR: "You wouldn’t think it, but many of the things you need to be a juggler are shared with playing; concentration; practice; awareness of your surroundings; performing in front of an audience; controlling your nerves; as well as basic hand eye co-ordination."

Luke also uses his juggling to help the band relax before they go on stage too.

Hands full

Keith added: "Luke's usually got his hands full juggling stuff with a gang of players around watching him. He’s not dropped anything yet and I’m sure given half the chance he’d have a go at juggling our new B flat basses!"

Asked whether Luke will get to combine his two passions on the concert stage at some time in the futre, Keith added: "I’d love it if we could work Luke’s juggling into one of our performances."

Let’s hope for Luke’s sake the Band won’t be expecting him to play his horn and juggle at the same time, then he really would have his hands full.