Musical Director
Tony Griffiths started his banding career at the age of 10, in the Lynemouth Colliery Band, based in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. Influenced by players such as James Shepherd and a wide circle of family connections over generations, Tony played the baritone in the band.
After being taught by Bill Lister a well-known and respected Euphonium player, Tony made the transition to the Euphonium at the age of 12. After leaving school, Tony joined the Royal Marines School of Music, studying tuba and cello, and this is where his interest in conducting was founded.
Upon leaving the Royal Marines, Tony played Solo Euphonium with the Cowpen & Croften band under the musical direction of Jack Carr.
Returning to his native Newbiggin Band on Solo Euphonium, Tony started to conduct bands on a regular basis, working with many professional conductors and using other musical outlets to broaden his music experience and influences.
With sponsorship, Newbiggin became Greggs Bakery; Tony was a major influence, along with Denis Wright and James Shepherd, on the band’s success and it attaining Championship Section status.
Tony had a previous spell as Musical Director with Backworth during its time as Five Rivers Brass, during which time he also played Euphonium with the Chester-le-Street Riverside Band (formally the Newcastle Brown Ale Band).
In recent years Tony has been Musical Director of Northumbria Water Ellington Colliery Band.
Appointed as Resident Musical Director with Backworth Colliery in August 2009, Tony is also General Secretary of the Northumberland Brass Band Association and has an ongoing role in influencing and raising the profile of Brass Bands in general, especially in the area of Youth Development and Arts Development.
