Mike Howley, the former principal euphonium of Brighouse & Rastrick, Fairey and Yorkshire Building Society Bands, and current solo euphonium with Desford Colliery, has decided to take flight on a new career with the Royal Air Force.

Opportunity

He told 4BR: "It was a very difficult decision to leave my career as a teacher after ten fantastic years in education.

However, when the vacancy opened to join the RAF and play my euphonium for a living, it was too good an opportunity to turn down. It's not only the playing — the lifestyle, amazing sports and travel opportunities which come with the job are second to none."

Decision

Mike made the decision to join the RAF after discussing his options with his brother-in-law Josh Hayward (Bass Trombone with the RAF Central Band) and his fellow Desford colleague Jonathan Truscott (Principal Tuba)

He added: "I have had fantastic support from my family. Their love and encouragement was so very important through the training phases.

The lads were also a major part of my decision to join and the support which I've received from the recruitment team as well as from the RAF Central Band has been superb. The people I have met here cannot help you enough — they're very enthusiastic and so musically driven."

Career

Jonathan Truscott was also pleased to see an outstanding performer taking the decision to enjoy a musical career in the RAF.

He told 4BR: "We've been extremely fortunate in recent times with some exceptional brass players joining us — and Mike is another great asset to our team. In the last three years Lewis Musson (euphonium) and Jonathan Gawn (Principal Tuba with the Scottish Ballet Orchestra) have set the trend — and we hope more will follow."

...it was too good an opportunity to turn down. It's not only the playing — the lifestyle, amazing sports and travel opportunities which come with the job are second to noneMichael Howley

Quartet

Mike will also now become part of a formidable RAF Tuba Quartet alongside Lewis and the pairing of Jonathan Gawn and Jonathan Truscott.

"I'm very excited to be working with this quartet and we have some great plans for the future,"Mike said. "I couldn't think of three better players and gentlemen to play with. The standard of their playing and musicianship is astounding."

Retirement

A RAF spokesperson told 4BR: "While we are delighted to welcome Mike Howley we are very sad to announce the retirement of euphonium legend Robin Taylor.

Robin recently retired from RAF Music Service after a distinguished career as a fine soloist and musician and we wish him all the best for the future."