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Callum Rookes is a British conductor, educator, and creative director whose work spans professional orchestras, wind ensembles, military bands, higher education, and innovative audience engagement projects across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.

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Recognised for his energetic podium presence, clear rehearsal technique, and collaborative approach to music-making, Callum has built a conducting career founded on artistic excellence, musical curiosity, and a genuine commitment to bringing out the very best in every ensemble he works with.

 

Equally comfortable leading professional musicians, conservatoire students, military ensembles, and community organisations, he is increasingly sought after as a guest conductor, clinician, and artistic collaborator.

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Before establishing himself on the podium, Callum enjoyed a distinguished international performing career as a tubist. An alumnus of Trinity College of Music, the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Det Jyske Musikkonservatorium, and the Royal Military School of Music, he developed a broad musical foundation through studies in the United Kingdom and Denmark.

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His early promise as a performer led to his appointment as Principal Tuba of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain before continuing his studies under Ashley (George) Wall of the Royal Opera House and internationally renowned jazz tubist Oren Marshall. While at Trinity College of Music, he became a semi-finalist in the institution's prestigious Gold Medal competition, served as Principal Tuba of the World Youth Orchestra, and appeared at Lincoln Center in New York as Principal Tuba with Birmingham Symphonic Winds.

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Seeking further artistic development, Callum continued his studies in Denmark under internationally acclaimed tuba soloist Jens-Björn Larsen. During this period, he performed professionally with leading Scandinavian ensembles including the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Prinsens Musikkorps, and Randers Kammerorkester, while also appearing as a soloist at the RAMA International Music Festival.

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On returning to the United Kingdom, Callum embarked on a highly successful military music career. As Principal Tuba of His Majesty's Band of the Coldstream Guards and later a member of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, he performed throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and participated in many of the nation's most significant ceremonial occasions.

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His appearances have included the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of King Charles III, the National Service of Remembrance, and numerous broadcasts with the BBC. In 2022, he was deeply honoured to perform at the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most widely viewed events in modern history.

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Throughout his performing career, Callum has shared the stage with a diverse range of internationally celebrated artists, including Cynthia Erivo, Hannah Waddingham, Tom Jones, James Blunt, Bryn Terfel, Sir Willard White, and Jeff Goldblum. These experiences provided invaluable insight into performance at the highest level and helped shape the musician-centred leadership style that now defines his conducting.

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Today, Callum's principal focus is conducting.

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His recent engagements have included appearances with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, His Majesty's Band of the Coldstream Guards, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Glasgow Sinfonia, Birmingham Symphonic Winds, City of London Symphonic Winds, Kingdom Brass, and The Brass Foundry.

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His conducting development has been shaped through study with some of the most respected conducting pedagogues working today, including Ben Palmer, widely regarded as the world's leading authority on conducting live-to-film performances; Mark Heron, Head of Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music; Colonel Jason Fettig, former Director of The President's Own United States Marine Band; Donald Schleicher, one of North America's most respected wind conductors; Diane Wittry, internationally recognised for her work with professional orchestras and conductor education; Michael Haithcock, former Director of Bands at the University of Michigan; and Norwegian conductor Bjørn Sagstad.

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In 2024, Callum was appointed Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Peck School of the Arts in the United States, where he undertook graduate conducting studies under Dr Thomas Gamboa while assisting with one of America's leading collegiate wind band programmes.

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Alongside his conducting career, Callum is recognised as a passionate advocate for audience development and music accessibility. As Musical Director of the London Video Game Orchestra, he led multiple sold-out performances and helped expand the profile of video game music within the UK concert scene. In 2026, he launched the Scottish Video Game Orchestra, a new ensemble dedicated to creating meaningful performance opportunities for musicians while presenting affordable and accessible orchestral experiences to audiences throughout Scotland and beyond.

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At the centre of Callum's work is a belief that great conducting is built on preparation, trust, communication, and shared musical purpose. Drawing upon experience gained from professional orchestras, military music, higher education, and community music-making, he strives to create rehearsal environments that are focused, collaborative, and inspiring.

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Whether leading a professional ensemble, working with emerging musicians, or developing new artistic initiatives, his goal remains the same: to help musicians perform at their very best while creating meaningful musical experiences that connect performers and audiences alike.