Conductor

The youth band is conducted by Miss Samantha Harrison.

Apart from conducting the youth band, Samantha currently teaches the beginners class and some members of the youth band, and is also involved with the organisation of the senior band as well.

Samantha started her playing career on the Eb Horn, at the Elland Silver Band when she was just seven years old. However, she soon progressed to the Bb Cornet and begun to progress, thanks to the tuition she received from the bands trainer Rhonda Harper. After a further spell on the Eb Soprano Cornet and Flugel Horn, Samantha was asked to taken on the challenge of Principal Cornet. The late John Harrison was the conductor at the this time and through his coaching and mentorship Samantha progressed and developed her beautifful tone and lyrical style which has become admired by many.

At 16, Samantha auditioned for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britiain where she received further guidance from many experienced musicians including, Roy Newsome, Richard Evans, Alan Morrison and Linda Nicholson. After three courses she was appointed as Principal Cornet Player, a postion which has not been held by many females.

Whilst studying Businness Studies at University Samantha was invited by Phllip McCann to play with the Huddersfield University Brass Band, and nce more was asked to play Principal Cornet in her final year of study. It was whilst Samantha was at University that she took up the challenge of forming the Elland Silver Youth Band, starting with a beginners and teaching them the basics.

On completion of her studies, Samantha was offered the position of Flugel Horn with the DUT Yorkshire Imperial Band and then she moved to the British Telecom Band in Stockport. However, with the Youth Band going from strength to strength and work demands, Samantha returned once more to play with the Elland Band.

Samantha continues to be in demand and when she is not playing with the Elland Band often appears with other local bands of all grades.