Heather Benson
Heather has been involved with music from a young age, she performed at the National Eisteddfod of Wales with her school choir as well as taking part in Country Dance performances. She started playing in brass bands at the age of 7 and gradually progressed to playing solo cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and several championship section brass bands.
She studied performance on Bb cornet at the Royal Northern College of Music and afterwards joined the Royal Air Force as a professional musician taking part in national and international military performances.
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On leaving the Royal Air Force, Heather created the Synergy show with Crauford Thomson singing lead vocals and playing keyboard and brass parts. The show successfully toured the UK and overseas. In addition to touring, Heather has recorded trumpet on several albums, played trumpet and piano in theatre shows and is currently the Musical Director for the International Bomber Command Choir. She runs her own music teaching practice, is a Lead Tutor for Lincolnshire Music Service and plays in various ceilidh bands.
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With the formation of 54 North, Heather returned to her love of folk music and is enjoying composing and performing new songs as well as arranging more well known and loved folk tunes for 54 North.
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