Posted: 31/10/21
Derwent Brass are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Spriggs to Principal Euphonium.
Following the departure of Adam Rutter who previously held the seat for some 16 years, the band are thrilled to announce that Matt Spriggs will be fulfiling the vacancy with immediate effect.
Matt is a hugely talented and experienced player who studied Euphonium at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, where he was awarded the Frank Wright medal for Brass Player of the Year, before joining the Band of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as Principal Euphonium.
"I'm delighted to have joined Derwent Brass as Principal Euphonium and look forward to enjoying a fresh challenge with like-minded motivated musicians." (Matt Spriggs)
Whilst based in the south of England, Matt held the position of Principal Euphonium at Sandhurst Silver Band under the direction of Ian McElligott. After a successful 27 year Army career, Matt relocated back to the Midlands where he joined Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. Matt’s time there proved very enjoyable with highlights including the Yorkshire Area, Brass in Concert and World Music Contest podiums, along with winning the French Open.
Music Director Jack Capstaff commented:
"Finding a quality replacement for Adam was never going to be an easy task, so I'm genuinely excited that we've managed to achieve just that in appointing Matt Spriggs. Matt is a class player with bags of talent and experience which is a vital ingredient as the band continues to grow and improve coming out of the pandemic hiatus. I sincerely hope his stay with the band is a long and enjoyable one.
Of course we also take this opportunity to publicly mark our appreciation to Adam for his incredible tenure and committment to Derwent for so many years - a true stalwart and key player in the band's continued success. Matt is the latest addition in a number of recent quality signings that have added significant depth to our abilities in what is a very exciting time for the band."
Band Manager Chris Leonard added:
"We are grateful to everybody who has shown an interest in the Principal Euphonium position and also to James Emberley for stepping up to the end chair seemlessly on so many occasions without hesitation. I'd also like to recognise the contribution of Micah Parsons who has played for the band in several public performances during this transition period, including at both Bolsover and Wychavon Brass Festivals. There's a great feeling in the band room at the moment and the Euphonium/Baritone section with Matt, James, Joel and Dave is now very strong indeed."
Matt's inaugural performance will be at the band's annual festival of remembrance - 'A Night To Remember' - on November 13th.
