Adjudicator & AoBBA Member

Matthew began his brass banding career at the age of 8 with Astley Youth Band and the Bolton Training Band as a percussionist progressing to the Bolton Youth Band and other ensembles within Bolton Music Service. From there he was invited to join local bands starting with Eccles Borough Band before moving to Besses Boys. At the age of 14, Matt moved to Besses o'th Barn before joining Freckleton Band. In October 2008 he was approached to join his hometown band which is the Wingates Band. During his time at Wingates, Matt enjoyed local and national contest success with the band. In May 2011, Matthew moved to the world famous Black Dyke Band, spending two successful years with the Queensbury based band. During this time, he played in some of the most prestigious venues across the UK and Europe and won various contests including the European Championships in 2012. After finishing at Black Dyke to concentrate on his conducting, Matt has still kept playing and has enjoyed time at Blackburn and Darwen, Milnrow and Rainford bands before joining the Pemberton Old Wigan Brass Bands organisation in the summer of 2019. Matt balances playing commitments alongside being the Musical Director of the Rivington and Adlington Band. Since taking over in February 2023, Matt has lead the band to the National Finals and the 4th Section Tameside Whit Friday prize along with other contest successes. Away from brass bands, Matt is a secondary school teacher and is currently Head of Music at Lowton CofE High School.