Jonathan Rooke was born in Hitchin in 1974 and went to Strathmore, Wilshere Dacre and Hitchin Boys’ Schools before winning a Music Scholarship to Bedford School at the age of 12. He was a Chorister at St Mary’s Church, Hitchin and began French horn lessons at the age of 8 at North Herts Music School. Horn tutors here included Chris Tilbury, John Lavelle, Carlos Hall and Uwe Radok. At Bedford School he continued his studies with Uwe Radok and took part in a varied musical life, being a member of the school Brass Ensemble (appearing with them at the Purcell Room, London), the School Orchestra, Wind Quintet and Octet and Wind Band as well as being a member of the Chapel Choir. In his final year he was Head of Chamber Music. While at Bedford School Jonathan also appeared with Bedford Symphony Orchestra, Bedfordshire Sinfonia, Bedford Chamber Orchestra and Luton Symphony Orchestra. He also made many appearances as a member of Bedfordshire County Youth First and Second Orchestras and Bedfordshire Youth Opera. With the County Youth (First) Orchestra he toured Czechoslovakia, playing in Marienske Lasné, Karlovy Vary and Prague and was part of the prize-winning team in the Youth Orchestra Class at the Edinburgh Festival. In both these guises he has broadcast on Bedford Radio and for the BBC. Jonathan is now in his second year at Warwick University studying Mathematics. Here he has founded the Warwick University Brass Society, whose inaugural concert took place on 13 December 1993. He is also a member of the University Orchestra and Wind Band. His favourite relaxation is model painting, in which he won national success in 1993, gaining First Prize in the National Golden Demon Awards (Space Marine Battle Force). (May 1994)