TONY SWAINSON
Tony came from the ranks of the Salvation Army, based at the Chester-le Street corps in the north east of England. In his youth he was in frequent demand as a euphonium soloist on the Salvation Army circuit before being accepted as a trombonist at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the R.N.C.M.) The switch to tuba was a natural one and he made his professional debut with Barbirolli and the Halle Orchestra in 1968. He was appointed principal Tuba with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra three years later where he remained until December 1997 when he decided to relinquish his position in order to develop his career as a conductor, composer and teacher.
Tony has enjoyed considerable success conducting all of Scotland's best bands as well as several in England and Norway, with frequent appearances at all of the major contests throughout Great Britain and Scandinavia. He has also conducted professional string and wind ensembles for the BBC and has several TV, radio and commercial recordings to his credit. As a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators Tony has appeared at most of the major contests including twice at the National Finals. He is currently enjoying a successful relationship with the Bon Accord Silver Band from Aberdeen, which has seen the band being elevated from second section to championship status in consecutive years, on both occasions as section champions.
Tony's teaching activities focus on the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama where is Professor of Tuba. A number of his pupils have won prestigious competitions and many hold professional positions throughout the world. In addition Tony frequently directs the Academy's various wind and brass ensembles. Elsewhere he is a regular tutor on the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland's residential courses and on several occasions has been Director of it's Easter repertoire course.
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