| Barney was born in Aylesbury on the First of January 1982. by the age of three he had already started having piano and violin lessons, amazing his teachers by harmonizing simple exercises instead of just playing what was written. His mother bought a battered cornet to start a collection of old instruments, but he would not let her leave it on the shelf. Instead, he found he was already able to 'buzz' nursery rhymes on the mouthpiece. At the age of six, he stopped learning the violin and started lessons on the cornet at Locker's Park School for Boys in Hemel Hempstead. Just days after his seventh birthday he had already passed his Grade 5 practical examination. He was awarded a music scholarship to attend Haberdashers' Aske's School for Boys in Elstree, where he continued to study the cornet, piano and singing, leading senior school brass groups whilst still attending the preparatory school.
By this stage it was clear that Barney had exceptional talent as a musician, he was regularly playing solos with various brass bands and singing in many concerts. At the age of 12 he auditioned for the internationally renowned Purcell School of Music to study with some of the finest teachers in the world. The musical tuition at Purcell School was outstanding, teaching him everything from advanced aural techniques to composition. At the age of only 13, Barney performed Haydn's Trumpet Concerto at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Many opportunities followed whilst he was at the Purcell School, and he took the chance to further his musical skills by also studying guitar, percussion, organ and electronic music.
During all this musical study, Barney took part in many extra-curricular activities outside of school. A keen sportsman, he captained the Hemel Hempstead Colts Cricket teams, and still plays for the adult teams as a wicket-keeper/batsman.
When Barney left the Purcell School, he decided that he wanted to experience the challenge of the British Army for at least three years instead of university or music college. He had always been interested in Army music, ever since his Mother took him to The Royal Military School of Music on his seventh birthday. Barney passed his Basic Army training, and only needed to spend one term at the school of music before he passed his exams with incredible results, earning an award for Exceptional Proficiency on the Trumpet. Barney was posted to The Band of The Life Guards, based in Knightsbridge, London. This meant that he would have to complete reputably one of the hardest physical training courses the Army has to offer, second only to SAS selection and Parachute training. Six months of Riding school, in Windsor, Berkshire. This grueling course equipped Barney with the skills to ride with the Household Cavalry on many occasions of state.
Whilst in the band, Barney easily passed his practical and theoretical examinations, including an Associate of the Trinity College of Music diploma, and was promoted to become a Non-Commisioned Officer, holding the rank of Lance Corporal. He was appointed as the band's pianist, playing not only with the orchestra, but as a soloist at many incredibly prestigious ceremonial occasions. He was also requested to play as a pianist for Her Majesty the Queen on many occasions. Barney also regularly played in a jazz duo, playing at many regimental and royal functions, and was selected as a State Trumpeter. He was also very frequently used as an accompanist, helping other musicians through exams and competitions.
Barney is now furthering his career as a performer. He is writing and recording his own music, much of it you can listen to on this site. He is also currently represented as an actor by an agency in London called CMP Management, and is now being put forward for various appointments within TV, Theatre and Film, although his main focus is still his music. With the entertainment industry currently swamped by uninnovative, manufactured acts and seemingly endless reality television shows, Barney can offer not just entertainment, but talent.
www.barneyashworth.com |
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