Kevin Birch FVCM FSCO

Kevin Birch, born in Congleton, Cheshire, started to learn the piano from  the age of seven followed by the church organ, continuing in the footstepsof 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  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 Band 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, he was the Musical Director of Audley Brass during which time they qualified for the National Brass Band Championships  on two occasions in Nottingham and Dundee, also gaining contest  victories at 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 when he was appointed as Organist and Director of Music. Kevin continues to develop  the musical projects at the church, including conducting the Church choir and collaborations with other musical organisations within the community. 

Today Kevin teaches brass, wind and piano in various Primary Schools and has a full list of private pupils. He is also the Spotlight Director of the Sandbach Concert Series. 

http://kevinbirch.webs.com/