Instrument: John Packer 271L Mk2 B Flat Cornet

Position: Second Cornet 

Previous Bands: Bodmin College Junior Band, Bodmin College Junior Jazz Orchestra

Profile:
Matthew's first instrument was the flute which he started playing at the age of 6 (with a bit of help from his Mum, who also played the flute when she was young). He then started having lessons and later on started playing the guitar. 

Leaving Nanstallon Primary School at the age of 11, Matthew then moved to Bodmin Community College playing the flute in the Junior Band.  After passing his grade 3, he was able to play in the Junior Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Adrian Evans. Mr. Evans then said a guitarist was needed, and so Matthew offered to play; he still plays the guitar in the Junior Jazz Orchestra today. 

Matthew also used to play the oboe, and has passed his grade 2 with merit. 

In Roche Victory Hall in 2007, Matthew and his Mum saw Bugle Silver Band playing for the St Pirans celebration, and since they both wanted to play brass, asked Verlaine Jane (Soprano Cornet Player) about how they could get involved. They were placed into the capable hands of David Jane (Band Manager and Junior Band Teacher), and after a few months of lessons they were able to join Bugle Silver Band at the beginning of December. 

Matthew is now a fully fledged member of the band, playing full time and experienced his first Area Contest in March 2008.

Memorable banding moment:
Playing his first Area Contest with Bugle Band, and coming a pleasing 6th place.