Arlene studied Trombone at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama where she graduated with a BMus Degree in Performance with Honors of the First Class, obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance with Distinction in 2005 and was awarded a Masters in Music with Distinction in 2006.

Arlene's professional work includes appearances with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Opera, RTE Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 

In addition to her orchestral work, Arlene has appeared with several prestigious chamber groups such as The Golden Section, Paragon Ensemble, Fine Arts Brass and Bones Apart. She is also a founding member of the award wining ensemble Thistle Brass which was formed in 2002.

Following on from her studies, Arlene taught brass for Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire Councils before being appointed as Sub – Principle Trombone of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2008 where she spent four fantastic years before relocating back to Scotland with her family. 

Arlene continues to enjoy freelancing as a trombonist and teaches Brass for South and North Ayrshire Council. She also coaches lower brass for the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust, National Wind Ensemble of Scotland and National Children’s Orchestras of Britain.