July 2018 – July 2023
Matt was born and bred in Bolton, playing Eb bass with the very active and successful Smithills School Senior Brass Band. From 2001 to 2008 he took part in several national contests and international tours, including performing as a soloist in the USA and attending the World Music Contest in 2005.
The pinnacle of Matt’s playing career was arguably a stint on the bass line with Flixton, although others (including himself!) may point to National Finals and British Open performances with the likes of Wingates and Hammonds.
Matt studied music at university, developing a broad range of experience in both the Brass Band and orchestral worlds. He has conducted at the cultural olympiad and at the Royal Albert Hall. As a music teacher, he now spends his days sharing his love of music with the next generation.
Since appointment as MD, Matt has expanded the band’s horizons and improved both our concert and contest performances. In 2021 he joined the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators so will be spending more time ‘in the box’ at contests. In 2023 he won the Conductor Award sponsored by Yamaha under the auspices of the Brass Band Conductors Association.
Adie Smith is our Musical Director.