Tour to the Far East

He’s about a quarter of the way towards his £3,750 target, which will cover travel and accommodation for the trip to Taiwan and Hong Kong in July.

Alistair, currently a student at South Downs College, auditioned for the Ensemble last November and was accepted straight away.

Now the challenge is to raise the money which will permit him to join their tour, during which they will play at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

“They are the only British ensemble to be invited. They are one of only two European band going.

“I have been playing the trombone for about 11 years, since I was seven.

“I actually wanted to play trumpet, but the teacher that I had first told me that my lips were too big for trumpet. He was a trombonist himself and I just went on from there.”

Alistair has already got a place lined up at the Royal Northern College of Music where he will study for a four-year degree in classical trombone.

“Hopefully after that, I want to do a post-grad in conducting.”

First comes the fund-raising though. Anyone happy to sponsor him can do so through www.justgiving.com/alistairgibsontaiwantour.

Or contact Alistair on 01730 814945, 07934417169 or [email protected].