About Mike Lyons
Mike Lyons is a distinguished British composer and arranger, widely recognized for his significant contributions to brass band and ensemble music. Born in 1956 in Bolton, north west England, Lyons has cultivated a career marked by a deep passion for music, particularly in the brass band tradition, where his works are celebrated for their engaging quality and accessibility.
- Mike Lyons began his musical journey at the age of 13, joining the Eagley Mills Band as an Eb bass player, an instrument he credits Father Jock McGovern for influencing him to play.
- After completing a combined music and maths degree at Manchester University, he pursued a career in teaching, spending 23 years as a classroom music teacher in the Wigan area.
- His extensive experience as a tuba player spans over 55 years, performing with numerous notable brass bands including Eccles Borough Band, Orrell Silver Band, Eagley Band, and Old Hall Brass Band.
- In his retirement, Lyons has dedicated himself to serious composition, arranging, and playing, even undertaking the ambitious project of transcribing all eight books of Monteverdi's Madrigals for brass ensemble.
Mike Lyons' sheet music offers a rewarding experience for musicians of various skill levels, particularly those involved in brass bands, wind ensembles, and school groups. His arrangements are often lauded for their clarity and idiomatic writing, making them enjoyable to rehearse and perform. The repertoire includes original compositions for brass quintet and quartet, as well as a diverse range of arrangements covering sacred, classical, and festive themes, also extending to woodwind and choral works. His music is well-suited for educators seeking engaging pieces for their students and ensembles looking for accessible yet musically satisfying repertoire that celebrates the rich tradition of British brass and wind music.