About Us

Matt’s musical career began aged 7 when he started trumpet lessons at school and began singing in his local church choir, going on to play and sing with several youth and county ensembles in his native Hertfordshire.

Spending most of his youth music career focusing on Classical music, Matt discovered his passion for Jazz and Big Band styles under the guidance of Mike Hamnett whilst studying at Canterbury Christ Church University. Matt also furthered his expertise in Classical music and harmony trumpets under the tutelage of Dr Paul Edlin, gaining Undergraduate and Masters degrees specialising in Music Performance. 

Since moving to the South West, Matt has built up a reputation as one of the finest lead trumpet players in the South West, playing regularly in jazz and swing bands, function bands and pit bands for local musical societies.

Matt has had the privilege of performing in some of the country's greatest musical landmarks, including the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall, Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. 

Josie began cornet and piano lessons at aged 7, or ‘when she had enough teeth’ according to her live-in teacher and mother, who would then lead her to the Brass Band tradition, including her membership with Sidmouth Town Band, (where she would one day meet Matt!)

Josie credits her Brass Band roots to be what developed her strong discipline to practice, attention to musical details and style, and to be part of a team.

Josie bought herself a Trumpet for her 18th birthday before attending Plymouth University to study Music, seeking opportunity to explore Big Band, Wind band, Orchestral and her very favourite, playing in pits for shows, of which there was plenty. An interest in Musical direction and composition was found here as well.

Today, Josie continues to play with Sidmouth Town band as their Flugel player, a title she is very proud of, and repairs Brass and Woodwind instruments. She is keen to support and raise the presence of brass playing in women as well as growing brass instrumental take up in the youth, including her volunteering with the Sidmouth Town Bands youth players.