Morgan Griffiths is a senior lecturer on our BA (Hons) Music (Classical) programme. Throughout his career, Morgan has established an international reputation as one of the finest Euphonium players in the world.
You can learn more about Morgan's impressive career and numerous prestigious awards on his staff profile.
Morgan is now the Musical Director of The Hammonds Band, one of the UK's premier brass bands. The band have recently qualified for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain and are preparing to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in October.
We spoke to Morgan about his illustrious career, excitement for the upcoming finals and time working at Leeds Conservatoire.
You're a world-renowned Euphonium Artist - what inspired you to begin playing this instrument?
My musical journey began playing the Cornet at the age of seven. I was taught by my Father, who was at that time the conductor of the Yorkshire Bus Company Band, a very successful contesting Brass Band.
I was inspired to play the Euphonium primarily because I really love sound the instrument makes and secondly by John Clough, who was Principal Euphonium at Black Dyke Mills Band; he was my 'Euphonium Hero'.
You were the youngest player ever to be appointed principal Euphonium of Black Dyke Mills Band. What was it like joining the band?
I was 18 years old when I joined Black Dyke, and it was a dream come true. The band was full of amazing players, and I just enjoyed every moment of it. I started working with Professor David King there for the first time who is an incredibly inspiring musician.
You have had an impressive journey as a performer, from being awarded 'International Euphonium Player of the Year' in 1999 to performing a solo in the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Can you share any more highlights from your career so far?
Probably my proudest playing moment personally, not including all the great European Performances with YBS Band, was with Williams Fairey Band winning the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002 on Phillip Wilby's notoriously difficult piece for Euphonium' Masquerade'. Conducting wise, it would be winning the Grand Shield with Hammonds Band in 2018.
What has been the most important thing you've learned throughout your career?
The most important thing I have learnt through my career is that you don't archive anything without total dedication and a great work ethic.
Tell us a little bit about your work as Conductor and Musical Director of The Hammonds Band.
I have spent 27 years altogether with The Hammonds Band as a player and now Musical Director. The band has had many ups and downs in that time; however, it is very much on the up again. I'm very lucky to have a group of very dedicated top-class players.
The Hammonds Band was runner-up at the Yorkshire Regional Brass Band Championships and is set to represent Yorkshire at the national finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October.
To qualify for the national finals means everything to us at the band, and we are all very excited about performing again at the Royal Albert Hall in October.
What is your favourite thing about working at Leeds Conservatoire?
My favourite thing about working at Leeds Conservatoire is the opportunity to develop young Euphonium players to find their own special voice on the instrument. It is just such a wonderful, supportive environment in which to work.
