*
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    


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


willebroek

Willebroek's sixth sense pays off with Band Academy

August 13 • Over 60 young players enjoyed six days of Belgian music making on their sixth Academy course.


Harper

Harper enjoys Cory reconnection in Japan

August 13 • Philip Harper has made a Cory link in Japan to help inspire musicians on the Ageo Band Camp in Saitama.


Bruce Broughton

BrookWright Music: 11 March 1917 (Bruce Broughton)

August 13 • A moving euphonium solo from the pen of the critically acclaimed American composer Bruce Broughton.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd