Carlton Brass

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Ludford-King as our new Music Director.

Matt is an effervescent and energising presence on the podium and brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinctive passion for brass music that has already made a vibrant impression on the band.

Originally from Warsash, Hampshire, Matt studied brass band conducting at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the guidance of Ian Porthouse. No stranger to Nottinghamshire’s banding scene, he recently led Newstead Brass through a successful season, and now turns his focus to guiding Carlton Brass into an exciting new chapter with the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

Matt’s Musical performance background is as a trombone player and a percussionist and he also plays euphonium but conducting is his passion.

“I’m thrilled to have been offered the resident position with Carlton Brass,” said Matt. “The band are already coping well with the challenges Bliss’s Adam Zero (the test piece for the finals) is throwing their way, and I’m humbled by the hard work and dedication these wonderful people are putting into every rehearsal.”

Looking Ahead
As the band prepares for the National Finals in September, rehearsals are already abuzz with new music ranging from Rimsky-Korsakov to Ed Sheeran, with a little Knight Templar and Sabrina Carpenter thrown in for good measure. “Talk about mixed tastes!” Matt quipped. “I can’t wait to see the band go from strength to strength over the coming weeks, months and beyond.”

The band is equally excited to be working with Matt, and early rehearsals have already sparked renewed energy and momentum.

Carlton Brass would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to outgoing Musical Director Chris Banks.

Chris’s dedication, musicianship and steady leadership culminated in a triumphant win at the Midlands Area Contest earlier this year — a result that secured the band’s place at the National Finals. His tireless efforts and commitment to the band will be remembered with deep gratitude.

As one chapter closes and another begins, the future for Carlton Brass is sounding brighter than ever.