Brett Baker is Principal Trombone of the Black Dyke Band and one of Europe’s leading brass performers, educators, and recording artists. A clinician for Michael Rath Trombones and the most recorded trombone soloist in the brass band world, Brett is a former Trombone Solo Champion of Great Britain and an Associate of the Royal College of Music. 

Hailing from the Forest of Dean, Brett began playing trombone at ten, and by 25 had won every major brass band competition. His early career included principal positions with the Flowers Band, Fairey Band, and the National Youth Brass Band, as well as finalist status in BBC Young Musician of the Year and solo wins at the British Open in 1993 and 1994. He studied at Salford University and the Royal Northern College of Music, learning from renowned teachers such as David King, Denis Wick, Chris Houlding, and John Iveson. 

Since joining Black Dyke in 2000 under Dr. Nicholas Childs, Brett has played a key role in multiple major championship wins and international tours, appearing on over a dozen of the band’s recordings. He has also been a guest soloist and clinician across North and South America, Europe, Australasia, and the UK, giving recitals and masterclasses at leading conservatoires and festivals. 

A passionate educator, Brett teaches with the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and has long-standing roles with youth brass initiatives in the UK and abroad. A former Chairman of the British Trombone Society, he is committed to expanding the trombone’s solo repertoire and has commissioned over 30 new works from composers including Philip Wilby, Philip Harper, and Martin Ellerby. 

Brett lives in Cheshire with his wife Sarah and is increasingly active as a conductor and adjudicator, continuing to shape the future of the brass band world through performance, education, and advocacy.