*
banner

Injection of talent and energy at City of Cardiff

Four new players join the ranks of the top section City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band.

Signing
  There is a new quartet of players joining the top flight Welsh band

City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band has welcomed a quartet of new players ahead of the top section outfit's return to rehearsals.

Signings

Matthew Snaith, formerly Assistant Principal Cornet of NASUWT Riverside Band and a current student at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, joins on solo cornet, replacing outgoing player Bethany Sullivan who is moving to Germany to study.

Matthew said: "I'm really looking forward to be joining and can't wait to get stuck in with the upcoming concert and competition performances".

Meanwhile, fellow RWCM&D student Jake Haygarth joins on 1st horn, replacing the outgoing Chris Turnbull who's moved to the Northeast of England to work, whilst Theo Powell joins on 2nd horn, replacing Meg Giles following her appointment at Cory Band.

To complete the quartet, Dominic Gardener, who has played with the band in the past joins on solo trombone, replacing Neil Brownless who's moved back to Northamptonshire following the completion of his RWCMD postgraduate degree in conducting.

Dominic will combine his membership with City of Cardiff alongside that with Bristol University Brass Band.

I'm looking forward to working with Matthew, Jake, Theo and Dominic who I know will all bring a wealth of talent and energy to us as we return to rehearsals and performancesMD, Chris Bond

Talent and energy

Speaking of the appointments, Musical Director Christopher Bond, said: "I'm looking forward to working with Matthew, Jake, Theo and Dominic who I know will all bring a wealth of talent and energy to us as we return to rehearsals and performances.

I would like to thank Bethany, Chris, Meg and Neil for their contributions to M1, and know that they will keep in touch as they embark on their exciting new ventures.

A particular thanks must be given to Chris Turnbull for his five years' service within the organisation — not just as a member of M1 but also for his work with M4 as conductor. He'll be greatly missed!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd