Tommy Tynan
Born in Saddleworth, a stronghold of British brass banding, Tommy was immersed
in music from a young age. After early beginnings on cornet and drums, he
discovered his passion for the tuba and joined Marsden Silver Prize Band at 14.
Under the mentorship of Glyn Williams and Les Neish, he quickly progressed on
BBb Tuba, earning a place with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
and collecting awards such as the Tom Atkinson Award and the Katie Ogden Solo
Award.
Tommy’s early career highlights include a year with Grimethorpe Colliery Band,
playing a part in their 2015 British Open victory. He then spent several years with
Oldham (Lees) Band while also building conducting experience and enjoying
success in regional contests. In 2019, he committed fully to music, studying Tuba
at the University of Huddersfield. There, he expanded into EEb Tuba performance
and joined the Fairey Band.
Upon graduating with First Class Honours and the University Award for
Outstanding Contribution to the Brass Department, Tommy uprooted his life and
made a move to Wales, joining the then-number-one brass band in the world, Cory
Band, as Principal Eb Bass. He quickly contributed to wins including the Welsh
Regionals and European Brass Band Championships in 2022. His time at Cory was
fruitful, with solo performances in concerts and contests being held to critical
acclaim and earning Tommy accolades such as 4barsrest Band of the Year and
Cory Band Player of the Year. He was also an integral part of Cory’s triumphant
return to Brass in Concert in 2024, where he was featured soloist in their acclaimed
entertainment programme.
Internationally, Tommy has toured extensively with bands, performing across
South Korea, Germany, Lithuania, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden. In
2024, he toured Australia as a guest soloist and educator, joining Brisbane
Excelsior Band in reclaiming the national title in Adelaide. That summer, he was
also invited to tutor at Norway’s Manger Folkehøgskule summer school, and in
2025 he travelled to Detroit to work with the Five Lakes Silver Band.
In 2025, Tommy returned to the spotlight at the RNCM International Festival of
Brass, where he performed his own arrangement of Ricardo Mollà’s “AMAIA –
Concerto for Tuba”, which will be given a second performance by Tommy at the
renowned Mahidol University, Bangkok, in January 2026.
Now a sought-after soloist, arranger, educator, and adjudicator-in-training, Tommy
returns home to the north of England and takes up the position of Principal Tuba
with the legendary Black Dyke Band.
Tommy is a Performance Artist for Randefalk Music and the official Brass Band
transcriber for Ricardo Mollà
Speaking about his appointment Tommy said “ I’m very happy to be joining the team at Lostock Hall Memorial Band. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them last month and there’s a real spirit in the bandroom. They are a great bunch of people, their dedication to youth education and development is something that really sets them apart. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in from January, with an exciting year ahead starting in Blackpool on 1 March.”