Kate Hutcheson

Kate has been part of Milnrow, on and off, since around 2005, which officially qualifies the band as “family”. Growing up in Delph, brass was less a choice and more an inevitability – instruments were practically issued at birth. Kate started on flugel with Delph Youth, then moved through Dobcross Youth and Rochdale Music Service.

With best friends whose families were full of brass and percussion players, there was never really an escape route, and Kate is very glad of that.

Contest highlights over the years include qualifying for the Nationals, performing there, and becoming Scottish Open champions – twice. Any day that ends with a result to celebrate is a good one.

Kate especially loves contests where the band starts with a piece nobody can quite play and, ten weeks later, sits on stage with friends performing amazing music. That journey from “help!” to “we’ve got this” is what makes it special.

Outside performing, Milnrow has been a constant thread in Kate’s life for nearly two decades, with friendships and memories that go far beyond the bandroom.

When not playing, Kate “enjoys running” – or at least going out once a year and calling it a comeback – and can often be found attempting parkrun, usually in the very good company of fellow band members.