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The band was brought together by Hallé contrabassoonist Steve Magee in April 2000 to perform what was to be a one off concert in order to raise funds for the Hallé Public Appeal. Since then, the 12-piece band has been in huge demand, delighting audiences throughout the region. To date some of their engagements have included numerous charity fundraising concerts, two appearances at the Lord Mayor's Ball in Manchester Town Hall, the star attraction at Manchester's Castlefield Carnival, numerous events at Stockport County Football Club, a performance sharing the stage with comedian Peter Kay and an extremely successful self promoted public performance at the Late Room in Manchester. Whether you are holding a corporate dinner dance, charity fundraiser, a private party or a wedding, Hallé Rock is the answer to all your live music and entertainment requirements.
They perform a wide range of music including over 60 hits from the last 4 decades, arranged by their manager Steve Magee, including tunes by Tom Jones, Robbie Williams, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, S Club 7, Santana, Manic Street Preachers, Wham, Blues Brothers, The Real Thing, Grease, and many more. The musicians really see this as an opportunity to get out of their tailcoats, let their hair down and have some fun. Being so close to the audience reaction is also a bonus for the band, who would all love to strike a record deal one day! Back to top
Phil is a UK based singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. He's written for the likes of Atomic Kitten and has recently supported acts such as Jackie Graham & China Black. In May 2002 Phil's debut solo album 'Everybody's Baby' was released, the launch coupled with a live performance on Granada TV's 'Lunchtime Live'. Visit Phil's site at www.philgregory.org.uk. Phil is also one half of acoustic duo Dear Gregory, who have just released their debut album and are gaining acclaim as one of the finest acoustic acts in the north of England Back to top
Laura began singing at the age of eight at a local drama group, and by the age of 16 had started singing professionally. During this time Laura was also studying full time at college for her National Diploma in Performing Arts. After passing her course with distinction she joined a band called Forbidden. They travel all over the UK and abroad to Germany, Dubai, Majorca and Russia. Laura started singing with Hallé Rock about two years ago, and says "I love every minute of it. Singing with a live band is amazing and these guys are the best!" Back to top
Dicky has played 4th Horn in the Hallé Orchestra since 1993, and has spent two years as Chairman of the Players' Committee. He started playing with professional orchestras in his 2nd year at the Royal Academy of Music, and has worked with The RPO, The Philharmonia, The Royal Opera and London Sinfonietta among others. He is a massive Ramones fan, however his friends would say it's more like an obssession! Dicky loves reading and watching films, and has chickened out of entering Big Brother every single year. He created and maintains this web site Back to top
Gareth Small became the Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Hallé in 1993, after studying at the Royal Academy of Music. He has played with nearly every London Orchestra, and is a member of London Brass, Hallé Brass and the Orfeo Trumpet Quartet. He also plays in West End shows, films and session work, works regularly for Karl Jenkins, composer of the Adiemus albums and most recently recorded music for the last of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. In between that, Gareth finds time to play golf, go skiing and follow Manchester United Back to top
Russell started playing the trumpet at the age of 6 and joined his first Brass Band on the cornet when he was 9. He is currently undertaking undergraduate studies with John Miller at the Royal Northern College of Music and has jazz classes with Mike Hall and Steve Berry. After joining the college Big Band in his first year, he now leads the trumpet section and came first in the 2003 Brown Shipley Improvisation Prize, and has also won the jazz composition prize. Russell has just been awarded a 2:1 BMus (Hons) degree Back to top
Andy is the Hallé's Principal Trombonist. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was a member of the Ulster Orchestra before joining the Hallé in 1988. He is in great demand as a player and teacher and has played with most of the country's orchestras and brass groups both in the trombone section and as soloist. He teaches at the Royal Northern College of Music, and has held clinics at the Julliard and Manhattan School of Music in New York. He is a member of Hallé Brass, and has even been known to wield a conductor's baton... Back to top
Jim is the Bass Clarinettist (and featured saxophonist) with the Hallé, and is the orchestra’s resident jazz expert! He has been in the Hallé since 1990, having studied both at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music. He has been Player-Musical Director of Manchester’s Library Theatre Company and was the featured clarinettist in many film sessions at Granada Studios. Among his teaching commitments are posts at Chetham’s School of Music and Manchester Grammar School, and he lectures at the RNCM Back to top
Leeds born Chris began classical training on the piano at the age of 7, and at 9 toured Bavaria as a soloist! After joining a jazz and blues band at school on the clarinet, he finally settled on the piano and studied music at Liverpool University. He is currently Head of Music at Calderstones High School. Outside of his school commitments, Chris is a busy accompanist and can be contacted at chrissheard@merseymail.com, and he also teaches privately composition and all styles on the piano Back to top
Brad says he can always remember being around guitars, even as toys. His first electric guitar he got whilst aged 11, and he’s always played with pop bands, jazz groups and big bands as well as having several well received solo recitals under his belt. He studied Popular Music at Liverpool University, and is now employed in the car finance industry in his native Solihull. The Hallé Rock gigs “keep my musical flame shining whilst concentrating on my career.” His amazing solos lift the band up every time he plays Back to top
Born a 'Monkey-Hanger' in Hartlepool, Steve studied at the Royal Northern College of Music between 1990 and 1994, after which he freelanced with most of the country's leading orchestras before joining the Hallé playing Contrabassoon and bassoon in 1996. He founded Hallé Rock in 2000 and is the band's manager and arranger. In addition to his teaching, he is a Jaguar enthusiast and the holder of a Private Pilots Licence. Steve lives in Lancashire with his wife Charlotte and son Daniel, born on 8th January 2004 Back to top
Ric is a percussionist in the Hallé. He plays every conceivable percussion instrument in the band with his amazing electronic box of tricks. Acoustically, he plays with Salsa Pa' Gozar, a very busy authentic Latin salsa band. He is by far the oldest member of the band, with more energy than the rest of them put together! His secret: a little red wine…often! He can often be found perusing the delights of Chinatown Back to top
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Dave is the Principal Percussionist at the Hallé. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London, becoming a member of the prestigious European Youth Orchestra. He gained early experience by playing in almost every major orchestra in the UK. Leaving the Royal College, Dave joined the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra where he held the Sub-Principal position for six years, before joining the Hallé. He has written extensively for solo tuned percussion and timpani (www.hextmusic.co.uk) and his works are prominent in all of the major examination syllabuses in the UK Back to top