MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Matthew David Speight

Matthew originates from Accrington in Lancashire, and grew up as a euphonium player in a brass band background.

In 1991 on completion of his A levels at University College Salford, Matthew joined the Army. After initial training at the Guard's Depot Pirbright, he was posted to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment to undertake mounted training.

In December 1992 Matthew was posted to the Band of the Blues and Royals where he regularly performed on both trombone and euphonium and was also a member of the State Trumpeters.

Matthew has served in the USA, Canada, Portugal, Bosnia and Germany, as well as the United Kingdom.

After 12 years with the Band of the Blues and Royals he was selected for the prestigious Student Bandmaster course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and on completion of this course was awarded a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree.

He took up his present appointment as Bandmaster to The Band of the Adjutant General's Corp in January 2007

He is married to Joanna and they have three children Alyssa, Archie and Ashden.

DEPUTY CONDUCTOR
Steve Waters
Born in Salisbury, Wilts and attended Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School.

Apart from my family history of music and church activities singing in choir, playing piano in Sunday School and performing in The Drama Society which included singing in pantomimes and later playing double-bass, BWS was a huge influence on my musical life.  It had a long and strong musical tradition and under the influence of several excellent teachers and many musical friends I sang in the Chapel Choir, Madrigal Group and Choral Society while also scratching at the violin for a few unsuccessful terms before going on to trombone and double-bass.

My teacher training was at Southland’s College, Wimbledon then to schools in Stoneleigh and Croydon. I joined the army in Jan 1974 and as soon as I finished learning how to march joined my band, Welsh Guards.

Playing double-bass, bass guitar and bass trombone the band gave my much valuable experience in a variety of styles, dashing here and there before I decided to return to teaching in Sept 1978 teaching music in Middle schools in Wimbledon until 2002 then the next four years teaching mostly ICT in Ursuline High School, Wimbledon, before retiring in December 2006.

Steve is married to Kate and they have twin girls Alice and Marguerite, who has played clarinet with BCB on occasions.