Name: Laura Bridges

Position: Solo Eb Bass (Players Rep)

Joined in: August 2006

When I’m not at band:
I run the Childrens activities at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Keeps me busy, especially over the summer months. Out of work I turn into the Brass Band ‘Geek’ of Foresters. I like helping other bands out, I also play for a wind band (to practise reading bass clef). I try to go to plenty of contests (socially of course) and courses, went to a brilliant lower brass masterclass with Black Dyke earlier this year and i attend the Wessex Band Summer school each year. One day I would love to go to Uni to study music properly.

Best Foresters moment:
One of my first contests for Foresters was playing at the 2nd section national finals at Harrogate. Getting my beautiful new bass – his name is Harold and I love him.

Favourite Piece:
I have loads of favourite pieces of music, but I have limited it to a top 5. 1. Essence of time. 2. Independance Day Suite, 3. Where Eagles Dare. 4 Paganinni Variations 5. For the love of a princess. I would love to find tuba solo that I love (not too cheesy) and can play too.

Most embarrassing musical moment:
I don’t think I have done anything particularly embarassing yet (well not musically), however if anyone can think of anything please do let me know.

The thing that makes me laugh:
Pete, wiggling his bum when he conducts,lol, I like laughing, but when I start it’s very hard to stop.

The thing that makes me cry:
My eyes seem to be quite uncontrollable, I cry when I’m happy and when I’m sad, but most of all when I laugh, I just can’t help it.

Something people probably don’t know about me:
I originally played Clarinet and Piano from age 7, when I played at Leicestershire Arts they put me on a bass clarinet and then as I enjoyed the bass line I was asked to play tuba for a joke, and I’ve never looked back.