Stephen Drinkwater

Steve began playing trumpet at the age of 9 and drums and percussion when he started High School. He joined many county ensembles in Worcestershire including the Jazz Orchestra and the Wind Band. Through these ensembles he toured in Poland and France and won national awards in the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF). He also won the BBC Worcestershire Young Musician of the Year in 2005 in the solo category playing the drum kit.

Steve then went on to study a Jazz Degree at Leeds College of Music (Leeds Conservatoire), where he gained valuable experiences in performance, composition, musical direction and latin percussion. This led him to perform with top jazz musicians such as; trumpet players Gerard Presencer and Derek Watkins and Virtuoso Cuban Violinist, Omar Puente.

Since graduating in 2008, Steve has made a career though both performing and teaching. He currently plays in a long established premier UK pop band ‘Func on the Rocks’ playing at functions across the country including performances for VIP’s such as; Sir Chris Hoy, Levi Roots and Gary Mcllister to name a few. They were also asked to be the backing band for Brit award winner Nerina Pallot. Steve has also played and toured with the Amy Winehouse tribute band ‘Back from Black’ across the UK and Ireland, who played to packed audiences. Steve is also part of an original project, releasing “electro-swing” music, under the name of Little Violet.

During the week, Steve enjoys teaching for Calderdale Music where he teaches individual drum lessons / samba groups / rock and pop bands / Trumpet / Ukulele classes and music curriculum. He has a particular interest in providing opportunities for instrumental learners to join ensembles, where he has past experience in directing the Calderdale Youth Jazz Orchestra.