Atkinson joins Towcester
Towcester Studio Band welcomes Matt Atkinson as their new Principal cornet. Matt started his banding experience with the Northampton Music and Performing Art Trust (NMPAT). Whilst gaining his BSc in ‘Mathematics and Music with a focus on Performance’ at Keele University, Matt performed many times as Principal cornet at the UniBrass contests. Returning to Northamptonshire after he graduated, he became Principal cornet with Olney Brass. During his 9 years at Olney he performed at two National Brass Band finals helping them to gain promotion to the 2nd Section. During this period Matt was awarded the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ for the 3rd Section and ‘Cornet of the Day’ (beating many championship cornetists) at the 2019 ODBBA Winter Contest. Matt also enjoys playing trumpet with local amateur theatre productions which have included Musicals such as ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Half a Sixpence’ and ‘Chicago’.
Matt is no stranger to TSB having helped out on numerous occasions over the last few years at various engagements and contests and also joined the band on a tour of Germany in 2022. Commenting on the appointment Matt said, “I am honoured and excited to have been chosen for this role and am eager to contribute my skills and passion to the band.” Matt follows in the footsteps of David Nicholson who has decided to step down from Principal cornet but will continue to be a valuable member of the ‘front row’. Neil Brownless, MD of Towcester Studio Band stated, “Having worked with Matt in the past when I conducted Olney Brass Band and when he has helped out TSB, I know what a fine player he is and how well he will lead the cornet section. I'm looking forward to working with him again.”
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