Manchester born Jacob Hickson is a euphonium player performing at the highest level in the United Kingdom. He began his playing career at the age of 6 on the cornet. He spent 12 years learning the instrument and was planning to end his playing after finishing his A Levels. His school teacher, Jim Fieldhouse, wasn't happy with this decision and advised that he try the euphonium. In 2022 he began playing the euphonium and found his love for music again.
Jacob progressed rapidly and within three months, he headed to Huddersfield University for a Music Degree in the Euphonium. It was during his time here that he made the leap to championship banding and was able to quickly develop his skills. Through tuition with Jim Fieldhouse he found a love for solo playing. In his second year he had a piece commissioned for the 2024 Unibrass Championships by Naomi Hill and was awarded best soloist at this contest. This success gave him a boost and he ended up playing with the Hammonds Band for the following two years. In his second year he also joined the Band of The Royal Yorkshire regiment where he continues to provide musical support to the British Army. In his Final year he became the President of the Music Society and ensured that the brass band continued to run amid budget cuts at the University. He again was awarded best soloist at the 2025 Unibrass Championships.
Following the2025 Britishopen he made the decision to step down from his role at the Hammonds band and became the Principal Euphonium of Milnrow Band. In his first outing with the band, they won the Scottish Open Brass Band Contest and he was awarded the Neil Philip Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium. Since September 2025 Jacob has been studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under David Thornton and Steven Mead, where he aims to acquire a Master's Degree in Music Performance. In his most recent contest with Milnrow Band, they were able to secure the Grand Shield and have been invited to perform at The British Open.
Jacob is an extremely ambitious player, looking forward to a long playing career.
