Morgan Bland is a Year 11 Specialist Trombone pupil at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset and the 2023 British Trombone Society Student of the Year.
We caught up with the 16-year-old as he prepared to perform the iconic Gordon Langford ‘Rhapsody for Trombone’ in concert with Tredegar Band as part of a masterclass and workshop day run in conjunction with Prozone Music and their newly launched Club Besson initiative.
Speaking about his performance, Tredegar MD Ian Pothouse said: “There is something very much about his playing that reminds me of Peter Moore – the sense of musical poise and maturity.
There is something very much about his playing that reminds me of Peter Moore – the sense of musical poise and maturity.
That’s saying something, as I know he’s a bit of a playing hero of his, but he impressed us all in rehearsals and in the concert playing to a packed audience. He is a great young man with a fantastic future ahead of him.”
Why did you choose the trombone and what age were you when you first picked it up?
I started when I was six. My mum played in a brass band, and I was dragged along to a rehearsal!
The conductor gave me the opportunity to pick an instrument, and I don’t know why, but I picked the trombone. I’ve been playing for 10 years now!
You’ve recently had a trombone made for you. What equipment do you use?
I have been using Rath Trombones for quite a few years now. I’m currently on a Rath R6 which is more suited to orchestral playing compared with their other models.
I had a choice of different bells, slides and lead pipes, and had a lot of fun picking a suitable combination which I feel suits my playing and the sound I aspire to make.
Which trombone player has had the biggest influence on you and why?
That’s quite tricky - there are lots!
If I were to choose three trombonists, I think Pete Moore must be up there. He is incredible.
He won BBC Young Musician of the Year when he was 12! Just listening to him, his solo playing and when he plays in an orchestra, he’s inspiring.
If I were to choose three trombonists, I think Pete Moore must be up there. He is incredible.
I also admire Kris Garfitt who is another phenomenal musician. He’s currently principal of the WDR Orchestra and his solo playing is also ridiculous!
And then there’s Carol Jarvis too, for her amazing versatility and inventiveness as a musician.
What’s your favourite genre of music or are you happy playing a variety?
Classical is the main route that I’m thinking of but I like to play in jazz orchestras and in smaller jazz groups. I have also enjoyed playing in function bands. I like all sorts really!
We recently performed Mozart's ‘Requiem’, and I played alto trombone for only the second time.
It was very different from the tenor trombone and quite nerve wracking, but also fun and a great experience.
Congratulations on being named BTS student of the year. What do you think makes a good trombone student?
You must be very dedicated, and you must work hard. You need to have the idea in your mind that you really want to go into music, and it must be the right thing for you.
You really need to be focused if you want a career because there’s so much competition.
In addition to your lessons with Emily White, you are taught by Tom Lees. What’s special about your teachers?
Both of my teachers are very inspiring people. As well as playing the modern trombone, they specialise in early music, so I’ve been fortunate to be able to experience playing the sackbut in some ensembles with Emily.
It’s just a completely different sound world – and you have to think more vocally. Lessons with Tom Lees (BTS Teacher of the Year!) are always fun. He is so enthusiastic about the trombone and shares his experiences in a very animated way.
Can you tell us about the Brass Department at Wells?
The Brass Department at Wells is set in a Medieval tower next to Wells Cathedral. It’s a really friendly environment and there are lots of different opportunities to play in loads of different ensembles.
At present I play every week in Jazz Orchestra, a brass quintet, a Ten-piece, Trombone Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and also in Low Brass Ensemble on the euphonium.
The teachers are all super friendly and really experienced: Ross Brown is Head of Brass and he teaches at RWCMD, and then Simon de Souza, he’s a very well-known horn player who also teaches at Birmingham Conservatoire.
At present I play every week in Jazz Orchestra, a brass quintet, a Ten-piece, Trombone Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and also in Low Brass Ensemble on the euphonium.
I have euphonium lessons with Andy Cresci who was tuba player in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years, and also teaches at the Marines.
We are exposed to so many great players by Mr Brown who organises masterclasses with incredible players such as James Buckle, Byron Fulcher, Helen Vollam, Bones Apart, Roger Cutts and Joe Arnold who are all so inspiring. The things they’ve done are very impressive and it solidifies the idea that’s what I want to do. Ian Bousfield is visiting soon too - he’s a legend!
What other music groups are you involved with outside of School?
I attended Junior Birmingham Conservatoire for a while before covid, then I was in National Children’s Orchestra Main Orchestra.
In Year 10, I auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra and got in - that’s the main thing I do outside of School.
It’s good fun, I really like it. It’s an amazing experience to play some huge repertoire in big concert halls.
Do you see a future with the trombone?
I hope so. When I was about 10 I knew that’s what I wanted to do for my job. I definitely want to study at a UK conservatoire, and maybe in Germany, or elsewhere in Europe if that is an option.
It’s all about teachers and opportunities rather than location at the moment!
What’s your next concert?
Quite a few are coming up – including this great opportunity I’ve been given to perform with Tredegar Band. What a sound they make, but they made me feel so welcome and made working with the so easy.
They are also recording the Langford with Peter Moore in the next week so there is no pressure on me then!!
All that and then the amazing Ian Bousfield is coming to give a trombone recital at Wells on November 5th. I can’t quite believe how lucky I am.
With thanks to Well Cathedral School, the Bland family, Ross Brown and Suzanne Shellard. (All images copyright protected)
