Ollie Atherton joins the Rath Pack

Rath Trombones has welcomed UK bass trombonist, Ollie Atherton, to its growing roster of Artists.

Ollie is the principal bass trombonist of the renowned Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

He received lessons from Rath Artist Mark Frost before beginning studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under Christian Jones (Orchestra of Opera North).

Ollie’s background in brass banding has seen him perform with the likes of Grimethorpe Colliery, Milnrow, Wingates and Bolton Hoover bands, prior to his position with Brighouse and Rastrick.

Commenting on his new association as a Rath Artist, Ollie said: “It is an absolute pleasure to become associated with such a prestigious trombone manufacturing company, and one that is based in the UK. I have been playing on Rath Trombones for years, so it seems fitting to come on board with the brand as an Artist. I look forward to seeing what the future holds as a Rath Artist.”

Ollie continued: “What impresses me with my Rath is the incredibly high-quality of manufacturing skills that have been put into this instrument. 

“The Rath team take such pride in their work, and their attention to detail is second to none. My Rath Custom instrument has enabled me to build an instrument to suit my needs.

“Having an instrument that is so versatile allows me to create a variety of musical colours, which is ideal when we have such a diverse range of repertoire to perform."

Ollie’s musical life started in earnest at the age of seven on cornet, before moving to the euphonium.

Upon starting high school, he began receiving lessons on trombone and, taking inspiration from his teacher, transferred to bass trombone. Progressing rapidly, Ollie joined the Black Dyke Youth Trombone Quartet and became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He undertook six residential courses with NYBBGB, four of which he served as principal bass trombone.

Ollie Atherton performs on a Rath Custom R9DST bass trombone with a red brass bell, red brass crook with counterweight plate and Hagmann valves. He has a dual bore bronze hand slide, with slide tuning, and a 9B nickel silver leadpipe.