About Kevin​​
About Nick
Kevin Birch, born in Congleton, Cheshire, started to learn the piano from the age of seven followed by the church organ, continuing in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. Whilst his father, Brian, was organist at St.Mary's, Sandbach, Kevin was assistant organist and also sang in the church choir along with his mother, brother, and sisters.
Kevin has also been heavily involved in the local brass band movement playing for the Middlewich Band (now Roberts Bakery Band) and United Co-operative Band (Crewe) on horn, baritone, euphonium, and tuba. It was whilst at Roberts Bakery that he started to arrange and compose music for various different ensembles. His works have been performed and recorded all over the UK and Europe, including on Radio 2’s “Listen to the Band” and on CD by the Foden’s Band.
Between 1994 and 2006, Kevin was the Musical Director of Audley Brass. During his time with the band, they qualified for the National Brass Band Championships on two occasions in Nottingham and Dundee, also gaining contest victories at the Midlands Regional, Pontins and Milton Keynes Competitions. In 1999, Kevin was commissioned to write a piece for the band in conjunction with a National Lottery Grant, called Blore Heath 1459, which depicted the death of Lord Audley, which began the English War of the Roses.
Towards the end of 2011, Kevin returned to St. Marys Church where he was appointed as Organist and Director of Music, which within his role includes conducting the church choir. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Funeral and Crematorium Organists.
In summer 2017, Kevin received a Diploma of Fellowship (FVCM) in composition from the Victoria College of Music and Drama, London.
Kevin is also the Spotlight Director of the Sandbach Concert Series, providing opportunities for young people to perform in concerts alongside professional musicians. Kevin continues to develop the musical projects at the church, and collaborations with other musical organisations within the community.
Nick Birch attained his Masters degree from the Royal Northern College of Music studying Trombone under Robert Holliday and Roger Cutts. As part of the RNCM Trombone Ensemble, Nick won the Emory Remington Trombone Ensemble Prize in 2016 and will perform at the International Trombone Festival in New York later this year. Nick also did his undergraduate studies at the RNCM but this time on Euphonium studying under David Thornton and Steven Mead.
Nick joined the Foden’s Band on 2nd Trombone in October 2015 and completed his personal Septuple of wins at the North West Regional Championships in 2020 (5 with Fodens, 2 with Faireys) whilst also winning the National Brass Championships in 2018. With Foden’s he has enjoyed tours to Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France and Isle of Man, as well has being a tutor for both Foden’s Youth and Junior Bands. Nick has previously played Euphonium for Audley, United Co-op Crewe, Pemberton and Fairey Band. During his time with the Fairey Band, he also performed in many high profile venues as part of Acid Brass including Tate Britain and a tour of Berlin. Nick was also part of the National Youth and Children’s Bands under Nicholas Childs and Bramwell Tovey and was the Principal Euphonium of the National Youth band in 2009 and 2010.
Nick became the Musical Director of the Nantwich Concert Band in August 2014. The band has focus on community support since his arrival, performing regularly within various important venues within the town. Nick was also the conductor of Nantwich Wind (training) Band between June 2017 and January 2019 and gained support from many local groups funding instruments for local children within the community.
Nick is a former member of the Slidin’ About Trombone Quartet, who were finalists in the Royal Overseas League Competition 2015. With the quartet, he enjoyed a wide variety of engagements with the groups including working as a resident group for the Live Music Now! Foundation and being an ambassador for plastic instrument manufacturer, pBone.
Nick works as a Freelance Trombonist around the North-west, whilst also teaching for the Love Music Trust in Cheshire East.