Hello, I’m Matthew. This is my first post as a Dunston Sliver Band blogger, and the very first Dunston Silver Band blog post. Probably means I should introduce myself.

I’m Matthew, an adult that gets far too excited by the notation ‘ff’ on a piece of music. If you know anything about brass instruments, then you will likely have guessed I play Trombone, if you know nothing about brass bands, then I play trombone. Yes, that is the slidey one, and yes I can play more than just glissandos. I play bass trombone, which is like a normal trombone but it’s a bit bigger, and most of the time sounds like it has an angry tiger living in it. It is one of the few instruments whose sound could potentially be weaponised. I may be slightly biased, but it is probably the most fun instrument to play, even if you have to work harder than most (who wants a valved instrument really? Oh right, most people).

I have been playing with the band for just under a year now, and I have to say that it has been a great year for me personally. I hadn’t played for 4 years before joining the band, but I am very grateful that they have been so welcoming, I now look forward to rehearsals every week! They even put up with my rustiness and learning to play bass trombone in the first few months! Now, almost a year in, I now feel like I am part of something that is truly special, rather than messing up something truly special. I have played in many bands over the years, mainly in my youth (I feel old saying that… and I’m only 26), but I have never played with such high quality players. Honestly, come to a concert, we’re class. It’s worth it, you don’t get to be a first section* band unless you have a great group of talented musicians. You might even hear an angry tiger style note here and there. Please check out our Calendar page for where we are, and when we will be there.

*as of January. Also, first section is actually a high standard.