New Solo Trombone at GUS
GUS have announced the appointment of Matthew Brown to the band on Solo Trombone. Matt joins the band after most recently being a member of the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, as well as successes conducting the Milnrow band and his appointment as a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.
Matt began playing in his home town Portsmouth. Aged just 16 he joined the army as a musician and spent 24 years touring the world performing at a variety of events and military occasions, the highlight of which was a tour to Jordan with The Queen. During his military career Matt studied at the world famous Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and was appointed Bandmaster of the Band of The Dragoon Guards where he saw active service in both Gulf wars of 1991 and 2003. Following his military career he turned to teaching and enjoyed many highlights in education. In 2015 he took a sabbatical to study for a Master’s degree at the University of Salford under the tutelage of Dr Brett Baker. Commenting on the appointment Matt said, “I’m excited to be joining one the country’s most prestigious bands who I have long admired, I’m looking forward to making my debut with the band at the Midlands Regional Championships next month”.
Matt takes over the solo trombone seat from Alan Gifford, who joined the band in 2019 and has made the decision to focus on his conducting, with a new position as MD at Blidworth Welfare Band. Speaking of his time with GUS, Alan commented, “I have loved my time at GUS on Solo Trombone, particularly playing under trombone legend Chris Jeans, with the highlight being winning the Midland Area in 2020! It was great to end on a high with a 3rd place at Butlins and I wish the band all the very best!”
A spokesperson from GUS stated, “We would also like to take this opportunity to announce the departure of 3rd cornet player, Terri Yates, who is leaving the band due to work commitments, and we would like to offer our sincerest thanks to both Alan and Terri for their exceptional performances and dedication during their time with the band.”
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