Gareth has played numerous instruments over the years before picking up the baton.

Gareth’s conducting style and techniques are very heavily influenced by playing under Rhodri Griffiths (with Pillowell Silver Band) and Phillip Harper (Flowers), their style and techniques made a lasting impression, making him the conductor he is today.

After some time with City of Exeter Railway band, euphonium player Roger Carter convinced Gaz to come along to take a rehearsal with Spectrum Music (however slightly reluctantly at the time, but shh! Don’t tell the band). Surprisingly (for him) he enjoyed it, invited back again and again, was then offered the position of Musical Director, and of course he accepted. Gareth looks forward to pushing the skills and technical ability of the band.

Clarinettist Kate has been a member of the band since 2002 but has been playing in orchestras, bands and different ensembles since the year dot when she was 11. Over the years, she has taken on different roles within Spectrum, Secretary, even Chairman and now takes responsibility for organising the band’s annual tour. Kate is a teacher at a Torbay primary school and is always keen to look for opportunities for her choir and orchestra pupils to perform with the band so that they have the benefit of being involved in high quality, live music. When she is not teaching or playing, Kate is a keen cyclist and often arrives at Summer gigs on 2 wheels.