*
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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd