Shaune joined Durham Music Service in 1996 as a brass teacher and was appointed area manager for the South Team in 2007. His main teaching area today is in Darlington and as a musician he specialises in jazz trumpet playing in big bands and jazz combos and directing ensembles.

Shaune was born in Durham and grew up in Darlington where began playing the cornet at the age of 11 at secondary school with the local music peripatetic service. He was part of the successful Darlington Youth Brass Band and Darlington Youth Big Band during the 1970’s and 80’s. He continued developing his playing with local brass bands and big bands, often working alongside visiting international artistes. Whilst working for Durham Music Service, Shaune was awarded a degree in Humantics with Music and a PGCE from The Open University.

He is immensely proud of his work with young people both in teaching and leading ensembles but feels his main achievement is in forming and directing The Durham County Youth Big Band. Since 1996, this band that is still directed by Shaune has been a flag ship ensemble for DMS. The band plays regularly at high profile concerts, festivals and competitions both locally, nationally and tours biannually in Europe.

Away from the Music Service, Shaune has led a team of local music enthusiasts to deliver a successful annually Jazz Festival and a fortnightly jazz club in Darlington. He has also formed an award winning big band, The Durham Alumni Big Band that has reunited past players from DCYBB and supports the work of DMS.