Rachel began playing the cornet at the age of 11 with Holymooreside Band. In 1977 she joined Chesterfield and District Band, 4 years later becoming the band's Principal cornet player, a position she held for 12 years.

In 1993 she joined Rhodian Brass on front row cornet and remained there for 6 years. The year 2000 saw a 6-month spell with the Marple Band before joining Ransomes in July on 2nd Cornet.