Baritone Signing for Friary

Latest signing for Friary is Jonti Smith on first baritone.

Hailing from Northamptonshire, Jonti progressed through the County Music Service, eventually reaching the position of principal euphonium with the County Youth Brass and Concert bands, whilst receiving tuition from Gary Rose.

While at school Jonti also became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, conducted by Bramwell Tovey, and the European Youth Brass Band. He studied Music at the University of Manchester, receiving tuition from Bill Miller and Dave Thornton, whilst focusing his studies on musicology and analysis. During his years in Manchester Jonti played with the Rothwell Temperance Band, Leyland Band, Fairey Band and Tubular Brass.

After moving to London in March 2017, Jonti was a member of Fulham Brass Band, and is now delighted to have joined Friary. In his own words, he is currently working on trying to tame the baritone! Jonti commented: “The band have been very welcoming, and it's great to join a group of like-minded and driven players.”

Band Chairman David Wicks added: “We’re so pleased to have Jonti with us. He’s a terrific player with excellent experience … and despite what he says, he certainly seems to have the baritone well under control!”

“We’re so pleased to have Jonti with us. He’s a terrific player with excellent experience … and despite what he says, he certainly seems to have the baritone well under control!”