Alister started playing trumpet at 9 years old in the Stowmarket Schools’ Concert Band. Although the band used trumpets and french horns, it was set up a brass band and was known for producing professional players, army musicians and music teachers as well as hobbyists. During his 9 years there, Alister, worked his way through the 4 individual component bands and went on 5 overseas tours, most memorably to the USA and Canada.
Following 3 years studying Engineering at Nottingham University, where he played in a big band and various orchestras, Alister, joined Bilton Silver on cornet in 1987, moving to the soprano cornet in October 1993. Alister’s time in the band coincided with the concert, contest and recording work under Brian Clarke’s direction and the more recent successes where the band rose briefly into the Championship Section. For 4 years until 2004, he also directed the Training Band
Alister has only briefly ever lived in Rugby, travelling from Shipston-on-Stour for 18 years before a move to Lichfield in 2008. Living in proximity to other bands, Alister has helped many, becoming friends with many players from Bilton and beyond. Consequently, he recommends banding as a way of developing life-long friendships.