Posted: 13/02/26
Derwent Brass are pleased to welcome Ben Armstrong back to the band as Principal EEb Tuba, alongside new signing Howard Crampton on BBb Tuba, as we continue to build strength in the bass section ahead of a busy year.
Ben grew up in Queensbury, West Yorkshire, starting on cornet under Jim Shepherd with Jayess 87 and Jayess (Queensbury) Bands. He later joined the British Army as a musician, touring internationally and making the switch to tuba, while also gaining a music degree and performance diplomas.
After leaving the Army to move into teaching, Ben settled in Nottingham and played with Hucknall & Linby, Newstead Brass and then Derwent Brass. Following a few years away from banding to develop a portfolio career as a performer, teacher and arts project manager, we’re delighted to have him back with us in 2026. Outside banding, Ben performs on sousaphone with Deep Down Brass and plays regularly with brass quintets and jazz groups.
Howard is a very experienced and versatile musician whose background covers woodwind, brass and a wide range of ensembles. He started on clarinet at 11, joining Nottingham Police Band at 14 and later switching to tuba. His banding began with Huthwaite Silver Prize Band under Haydn Cooper before moving to Matlock Town Band, alongside extensive orchestral and theatre work with groups across the Midlands, including NOWMADS productions and the Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra. We’re really pleased to have him joining Derwent Brass for the first time.
As part of the changes, Scott Pearson moves from Principal EEb to Principal BBb Tuba, while Neil Riddle returns to his preferred instrument of EEb Tuba. It’s a privilege to have that commitment, experience and flexibility within the section.
This marks a farewell to Martyn Carlisle, who leaves the band to focus on other personal priorities, and we thank him for everything he contributed during his time with us. Howard’s arrival follows the departure of Steve Bottomley, who moved on from the band at the end of 2025, and we thank him too for his commitment over the several years he was with us.
Band Manager Chris Leonard said:
“This is a really exciting time for Derwent Brass. We’ve been working hard over the last year to keep building the band musically and socially, and bringing in players of Ben and Howard’s quality – with Ben returning and Howard joining us for the first time – is a big part of that progress. Alongside the recent arrival of Chris Fower on Bass Trombone, these changes have really strengthened the depth and balance of the band’s lower end.
I’d also like to thank everyone in the bass section for their flexibility in making these changes work, particularly Scott Pearson for moving from Principal EEb to Principal BBb – a great example of the team spirit we’re proud of at Derwent Brass.
Ben and Howard are superb musicians and great people, and they’ve settled straight in as we prepare for a busy run of events and some exciting collaborations later this year.”
Please join us in giving Ben and Howard a warm Derwent Brass welcome.
